Wind Energy Adoption in Mainland Southeast Asia: An Overview

In a bid to combat climate change and transition towards a greener future, several countries in Southeast Asia are ramping up their renewable energy efforts, particularly in the realm of wind power.

Vietnam Leads the Way

Vietnam, a regional wind power leader, has significantly increased its onshore wind capacity goals. The revised Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8) now aims to install 38GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030, a marked increase from the original goal of more than 21GW. This expansion is expected to see the country nearly doubling its wind energy potential, as studies show Vietnam has the potential to generate just over one terawatt of wind energy in its exclusive economic zone, nearly doubling previous World Bank estimates.

The first offshore wind project in Vietnam is slated to begin construction by the end of 2023, further solidifying the country's commitment to renewable energy. The government supports this transition by offering guaranteed, above-average prices for renewable energy through a beneficial feed-in tariff system. As of 2023, wind power accounts for 80% of Vietnam's non-hydro renewable energy, provided by 84 wind farms.

Thailand's Wind Energy Ambitions

Thailand aims to expand its wind energy capacity as part of its 2025-2037 Power Development Plan. The country currently has around 1.5 gigawatts of wind power, accounting for around 3% of the kingdom's installed capacity. By 2037, Thailand targets around 1,200 MW of installed wind power, with approximately 276 MW of installed wind capacity achieved by 2023.

Thailand's current draft Power Development Plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065. The plan includes installing an additional 7GW of wind power capacity, with potential for 13-17 gigawatts of onshore wind energy across the country.

Laos' Wind Power Journey

Laos, another Southeast Asian country, has recently completed its Monsoon Wind Power project, the first large-scale ground-mounted wind farm in the country and the largest in Southeast Asia. The country is also planning to build a 1,200MW wind farm in Savannakhet province.

Myanmar and Russia's Wind Power Collaboration

Myanmar is working with Russia to cultivate wind power, with plans to build a 200MW wind farm near Mount Popa.

Cambodia's Hydropower Dominance and Future Wind Potential

Despite issuing a 10-year moratorium on dam building on the Mekong mainstream, the majority of renewable energy in Cambodia still comes from hydropower. The rest comes from solar sources, accounting for 10.5% as of 2022. Cambodia does not yet have any major wind farms, but authorities have approved six hydropower projects in Mondulkiri province that are expected to generate 900MW.

Regional Wind Energy Developments

Thailand's wind energy developer, Wind Energy Holding, is preparing 2GW of projects. The US$10.5 billion joint development between PetroVietnam and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners will supply 3.5GW of wind power.

The revised draft of Vietnam's Power Development Plan (PDP8) outlines an increase in expected solar energy to over 73GW. The original PDP8 planned for 6GW of offshore wind by 2030; this has been revised to 6-17GW by 2035.

As Southeast Asia continues to develop its wind energy capabilities, it is clear that the region is moving towards a more sustainable future, reducing its carbon footprint and embracing renewable energy.