News and Updates

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is continuing with its ERC sandbox by promoting a new pilot renewable power trade project between Gulf Energy Development Plc and Pandora, a Danish jewellery company.

The project focuses on a "virtual power purchase agreement", also known as a VPPA, with Gulf and Pandora jointly pioneering the VPPA.

The two companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a one-year project to study, develop and implement this renewable power trade.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Bangkok Post

Malaysia and Turkiye have taken a significant step towards enhancing energy supply security and sustainability by exploring cooperation opportunities in the energy sector. The collaboration aims to stimulate economic growth through green investments, according to the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation.

In a statement, the ministry announced that an exchange of letters of intent took place yesterday, coinciding with the official visit of Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Malaysia.

The partnership will focus on key areas such as electricity market operations, grid system development, expansion of renewable energy sources, exploration of nuclear energy potential, and investment and financing mechanisms within the energy sector.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Amid a series of climate agreement exits since United States president Donald Trump took office, United Nations (UN) executive climate secretary Simon Stiell has said that the renewables shift is “unstoppable” and in every nation’s self-interest.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Isabela Castilho/ COP30 Amazônia

​The U.S. has imposed record-high tariffs on solar panels from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, with rates up to 3,521%. These measures disproportionately impact smaller Southeast Asian manufacturers and workers, while larger Chinese firms had already relocated operations to avoid such penalties. 

Masdar has strengthened its partnership with Indonesia’s PLN to develop Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar power plant, advancing Indonesia’s net-zero goals. The 145 MW Cirata Floating Solar PV project showcases Indonesia’s clean energy potential and Masdar’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy deployment across the region through innovative, scalable solutions.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: ESG News

Malaysia must enact radical changes to expand its renewable energy capacity amid tightening regulations. The country faces challenges like grid limitations, policy uncertainty, and slow project approvals. Experts urge clearer policies, faster implementation, and improved investor confidence to meet its clean energy targets and support a sustainable energy transition.

*This excerpt is from a news item collated by SIPET as part of its mission to serve as a one-stop platform for information and knowledge exchange about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. For the full news item, click on the link next to 'Further Information' . 

**Photo credit: Luiz Cent / Unsplash

Sustainable Asia Renewable Assets (SARA), backed by BII, FMO, and SUSI Partners, will invest up to $700 million in Southeast Asia’s clean energy sector, developing 500 MW of solar, wind, and hydropower projects in the Philippines and Vietnam.

Thailand is making a significant shift towards a green economy, with individuals and households playing an active role in the transition by installing rooftop solar panels. According to research by Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), the adoption of solar rooftops is expected to continue growing steadily, driven by their cost-effectiveness and increasing marketing efforts by solar providers. Banks in Thailand are also now offering green financial products, including solar rooftop loan packages, to encourage households to embrace sustainability and reduce energy costs.