Draft 3

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Reader Response Summary

In the article “How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up” (Tim, 2019) addresses the issues faced by countries in the Southeast Asia region, possible solutions and the dire consequences of not taking the issue seriously. Southeast Asia is the only region that has not achieved low emissions level but instead is increasingly contributing to it globally. For example, Singapore can apply nuclear fusion or the implementation of hydrogen as a “greener “fuel. However, such technology comes with a cost. The demand for power will grow with the economic success in the region, and as such policymakers and businesses have to seize this opportunity to make a change through “building an energy infrastructure”, improving quality of life as economies advance. Failing to do so will have an adverse impact on both the climate, region and world. Based on the article, the region’s is behind on its goal to reach the Paris Commitment.  To ensure that the region is able to make an impact in this transition, the government needs to start collaborating with various industries and companies to start implementing alternatives or solutions.

First of all, countries within the region must take into account its own specific challenges and opportunities. Razzouk (2019) stated that the attractive incentives from the coal industry that the countries government stands to profit from is one of the barriers that hinders the region’s transition towards clean energy. Singapore for an example, taxes on fuel make up 1.35 per cent of total tax revenues. An alternative power source would mean losses in taxes for the government. For the government to support change, there has to be alternative ways for them to make up for the lost in revenue.

Secondly, the region is the biggest contributors in carbon emissions and that emissions levels are increasing. Guo (2018) stated that with the remarkable growth in both population, economic development and rapid urbanization. The energy demands for the region will increase as well. Though sources of renewable energies are available to tap from, coal stills remain as a key pillar in the energy sector due to the vast reserves found across the ASEAN region. To be able to decrease emissions, countries should look towards investments in research for a more power-efficient economy, industry and ‘clean-coal’ technologies.

Lastly, the region’s renewable energy solutions are undeveloped, this becomes an opportunity for businesses to enter the market with the right government support. Harris (2019) quoted that investors are attracted towards coal instead of clean energy, and access to these renewable technologies has become cheaper. Successful transition towards clean energy would lead to a decrease in air pollution and an overall improvement in health among the people. It would also lead to opportunities within the clean energy sector for businesses to enter and make a stand.

In conclusion, despite the abundance of alternatives compared to coal that Southeast Asia’s have available, there are many obstacles for the countries within the region to fully transit towards a more energy efficient region. Without the government support, companies that offer clean energy solutions would be less inclined to start up within the country. Along with the revenue that coal generates through taxes, it would be hard for the government fill the gap without ways the government can make up for the lost in revenue.  

References:

Daubach, T. (2019). How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up? Eco-Business. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/

Guo, G. (2018). Southeast Asia’s Clean Energy Challenge. TheDiplomat. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2018/12/southeast-asias-clean-energy-challenge/

Harris, T. (2019). Asia undermining efforts to reduce coal dependence. Eco-Business. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/asia-undermining-efforts-to-reduce-coal-dependence/

Razzouk, A. (2019). Renewables in Southeast Asia: Subsidies not required, thanks. Eco-Business. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/opinion/renewables-in-southeast-asia-subsidies-not-required-thanks/

Tan, C. (2016). Electric car Tesla slapped with $15,00 tax surcharge. TheStraitsTimes. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/electric-car-tesla-slapped-with-15000-tax-surcharge

Tan, H. (2019). ‘Coal is still king’ in Southeast Asia even as countries work toward cleaner energy. CNBC. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/01/coal-is-still-king-in-southeast-asia-despite-clean-energy-efforts.html#targetText=The%20demand%20surge%20is%20primarily,is%20expected%20become%20more%20pervasive.

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