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COP29 shows South-east Asia's energy transition needs private finance; effective policies will catalyse that


Published on 2024-12-01 17:01:10 - Bill Williamson, WOPRAI
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  • WHAT can you do with US$300 billion? For South-east Asian nations trying to fund the construction of solar plants or wind farms, the answer is: not that much. The recent conclusion of the COP29 climate talks tells us that the region cannot wait for developed nations to raise that bar.

The article from The Business Times discusses the critical role of private finance and effective policy-making in Southeast Asia's energy transition, highlighted at COP29. It emphasizes that while the region has made strides in renewable energy, significant challenges remain due to the high costs of transitioning from fossil fuels. The article points out that private sector involvement is crucial due to the limited public funds available for such a massive shift. Key points include the need for innovative financing mechanisms, like green bonds and blended finance, to attract private investment. Additionally, it stresses the importance of government policies that create a stable, transparent, and supportive regulatory environment to encourage investment in renewable energy projects. The piece also notes the necessity for international cooperation and technology transfer to help Southeast Asian countries leapfrog to cleaner energy solutions, ensuring that the transition is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable.

Read the Full Business Times Article at:
[ https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/esg/cop29-shows-south-east-asias-energy-transition-needs-private-finance-effective-policies-will ]
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