Renewable energy is a challenge and an opportunity. In response to the climate
change threat, the world community has to meet the challenge of sharply reducing
dependence on carbon-based energy sources (notably oil and coal). While this is
a daunting challenge, it also presents great opportunities; new industries and employment
opportunities, new ways to reduce dependency on fuel imports and for providing electricity
to poor remote areas, and new ways to reduce air pollution (including indoor) and provide
healthier environments.
In recognition of both the challenge and the opportunities, five countries in the Greater
Mekong Subregion (Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam)
coordinated with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in undertaking a study of their
respective progress in promoting and facilitating the development of renewable energy.
The study, which began in 2010, focused on solar, wind, biomass, and biogas forms of
renewable energy, rather than the huge hydropower resources in the region.
Data on renewable energy developments in the region were drawn from various sources,
including previous studies with somewhat dissimilar methodologies and technical
assessments. But the same basic steps were followed in assessing the potential of solar,
wind, biomass, and biogas energy. The technical potential of solar energy is based largely
on the degree and intensity of solar irradiation, the estimated land area suitable for
photovoltaic (PV) installations, and the efficiency of the solar systems. The economic
potential of solar power is what can be developed commercially, given the cost of solar
power relative to that of the least cost power available from the grid.
To calculate the technical potential of wind power, areas with sufficient average wind
speeds (at least 6 meters per second [m/s]) were first determined. On the basis of current
technology, the installed capacity of wind turbines is about 10 megawatts per square
kilometer (MW/km2
). The economic potential was found to be much lower than the
technical potential because of the high cost of wind power relative to energy alternatives,
and the limited capacity or stability of the grid systems (the variability of wind power makes
it necessary to have backup power).
The potential of biomass energy depends on the amount of agricultural land that can be
devoted to feedstocks suitable for the production of biofuels (biodiesel and ethanol),
and on the oil equivalent yield of the feedstocks. The potential varies widely: some GMS
countries have agricultural land to spare without compromising food sources, while for
others the food–energy–water nexus is more problematic. Crop yields also vary widely
among the GMS countries. Cost is another issue, as it has been difficult to produce biofuels
on a commercial basis without government subsidies in some form. Biogas production
from animal manure could be considerable, since most farm households have sufficient
numbers of farm animals to fuel biodigesters. Improved biodigester technology and lessons