Southeast Asia's gas-fired capacity set to double: report

However, GEM said the region’s growing demand could be met by renewable energy.

Southeast Asia’s gas-fired capacity is expected to double, with liquified natural gas imports projected to increase by 80% on the back of support from international financing.

In a report, Global Energy Monitor (GEM) said Asia has over 100 gigawatts of gas power capacity in development, along with 47 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG import capacity and 16.7 mtpa export capacity.

With Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, GEM noted that gas infrastructure development in the region is supported by international finance mechanisms such as the Just Energy Transition Partnerships and bilateral investments, especially from Japan.

GEM noted that renewable energy such as solar and wind projects could meet the region’s power demand, with the sector’s growing cost-competitiveness.

“Energy demand is increasing across Southeast Asia as economies grow, but ramping up gas production is not a long-term solution. Meeting demand with cost-effective, renewable sources insulates the region from volatile gas prices and is a greener path forward,” Warda Ajaz, Project Manager for the Asia Gas Tracker at GEM, said.

GEM’s data showed that the region’s prospective large utility-scale solar and wind capacity could generate 450 terawatt-hours of electricity every year.