53
Global Energy Alliance for people and planet
Southeast Asia Which constraints limit energy systems to deliver development impact?
Exhibit 11: Energy systems profile for Southeast Asia Governance Policy Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy overall score 55
Despite high electricity access (97 percent) and strong clean cooking fuel access (73 percent), Southeast Asia continues to face challenges including heavy coal dependency, underinvestment in generation capacity and limited grid infrastructure upgrades.
Policy RISE Renewable Energy Pillar
Fossil fuel subsidies and ongoing coal plant construction lock in high-carbon infrastructure. Transmission and distribution networks remain state-controlled with capacity limitations, hindering renewable integration. While first-time access is no longer the primary issue, persistent energy poverty remains in rural and remote communities, compounded by affordability issues and reliance on traditional fuels. Financing gaps, unattractive power purchase agreements, regulatory uncertainty and fragmented governance further slow clean energy deployment and transition planning (see Exhibit 11).
Access
35
100
100
Utilization Electricity power consumption (kilowatt-hour/person/year) 3,639
4,000
Access to electricity (% of population) 97%
100%
Access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking (% of population) 73%
100%
System performance Total energy supply (GJ/person/year) 103
150
System Average Interruption Duration Index (hours/year) 7
0
Energy Transition Index score 54
100
Renewable electricity output (% of total electricity output) 30%
88