Asia and Pacific
Central Asia Regional Initiative
Southeast Asia Regional Initiative
Overview
Asia and the Pacific together comprise a large, diverse and dynamic region, with 4.8 billion people living in countries ranging from the world’s largest energy consumer to small island economies that are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The region accounts for more than half of global energy consumption, with 85% of that regional consumption sourced from fossil fuels. Electrification rates have improved substantially over the past decade and the regional electrification rate reached 96.6 per cent in 2019.
However, 131 million people lacked access to electricity across the region, a significant decline from 545 million people in 2010. Many more continue to rely on traditional biomass (such as burning wood) for cooking and heating. Only 71% the population have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies. Poor indoor air quality contributed to an estimated 2.8 million premature deaths in 2016. Women and children often bear the additional burden of fuel gathering, reducing the time available for education and livelihoods.
Demand for energy is rising thanks to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, and considerable opportunities exist to avoid locking in carbon-based energy technologies for the long term. Alongside vast renewable energy potential, the region already possesses significant knowledge and expertise on renewables.
As a proportion of total final energy consumption, the share of modern renewable energy is rapidly rising, reaching more than 10.4% in 2020. The largest gains are in the power sector, where in 2018 the renewable share of total electricity output was 22.1%, having grown steadily from 16.1% in 2010.
Making the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future will require a clear vision and strong commitment from governments.
IRENA work in the region
IRENA works across the Asia Pacific region by providing analysis, fostering partnerships, building capacity, and promoting policy for renewable energy adoption by supporting regional goals and developing national assessments such as the Tripling Renewable Energy Strategy (TRES).
- Central Asia Regional Initiative (APRECA)
- Southeast Asia Regional Initiative (APRESA)
- SIDS Lighthouses Initiative
Following the UAE Consensus at COP28, Central Asian countries are working to increase renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency by 2030, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The region, home to around 90 million people, faces rising energy demand, heavy reliance on fossil fuels and hydropower, and climate change impacts such as heatwaves, altered river flows, and glacial floods. Countries like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have specific energy transition and development needs. With abundant solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal resources, and critical minerals, the region has significant opportunities to stimulate economic growth, green industrialization, and job creation while advancing a sustainable energy transition.
Launched at COP29 in Azerbaijan in 2024, the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA) aims to fast-track the region’s energy transition, strengthen regional cooperation, and enhance cross-border renewable energy trade and industrialization. The partnership focuses on four main areas: modernizing energy infrastructure, enabling local value creation in the critical minerals sector, improving policy and regulatory frameworks, and mobilizing private sector investments. Through technical support and financing platforms provided by IRENA and other development partners, APRECA seeks to promote large-scale renewable energy deployment, increase regional energy security, and contribute to global climate goals.
Southeast Asia’s energy demand is rapidly increasing due to industrialisation and urbanisation, and the region must expand access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to meet climate and socio-economic goals. Most ASEAN countries have net-zero targets, and regional ambitions align with the UAE Consensus to triple renewable capacity by 2030. However, large investment gaps, ageing grid infrastructure, and fragmented regulatory frameworks slow progress. Under APAEC 2026-30, the ASEAN member states have collectively set ambitions to achieve a 30 per cent share of RE in total primary energy supply (TPES) and a 45 per cent share of RE in installed power capacity by 2030.
The SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) is a framework for action to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in their energy transition efforts from fossil fuel dependence to renewables. The Initiative brings together 42 SIDS as well as partners, including developed countries, regional and international organisations, development and multilateral agencies, private companies, research institutes and non-profit organisations. IRENA is the coordinator and facilitator of the initiative.
