Renewable energy drives economic growth in ASEAN economies

A study examining six major ASEAN industrial economies—Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam—finds that renewable energy transition and energy consumption are linked to GDP per capita growth between 1990 and 2022.

While fossil fuels continue to drive much of the region's economic activity, renewable energy is increasingly contributing to growth. The impact is notably more significant in countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, which are advancing more rapidly in clean energy adoption. Conversely, nations like Brunei show minimal renewable energy output, suggesting potential investment shortfalls or policy gaps.

The research indicates growing opportunities for infrastructure development and technology deployment in Southeast Asia, particularly in nations accelerating their clean energy transitions.