Wind Energy Adoption: Insight into the Process in Mainland Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is witnessing a significant shift towards renewable energy, with several countries in the region making strides in harnessing wind power.
Myanmar's Wind Power Challenges
Myanmar's wind power sector has faced challenges, as the Kachin Independence Army took control of much of the resources in October 2024. This development led to China demanding the KIA to stabilise the rare earth supply chain, threatening to stop buying Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) from Myanmar. The mining of these rare earths using the in-situ leaching process has resulted in high environmental and human costs, including deadly mining incidents, skin and respiratory damage, deaths related to kidney failure, and the devastation of fish and other animal populations. The MWP project, containing 133 wind turbines, has affected 934 households across 26 villages.
Regional Wind Power Leaders
Vietnam has emerged as a regional wind power leader, with the country's Power Development Plan (PDP8) revised to increase the target for onshore wind capacity from 21GW to 38GW. Vietnam has also signed several agreements for offshore wind projects, including a joint development between PetroVietnam and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners for a 3.5GW investment. Another offshore wind project is the 1.4GW Phu Cuong Soc Trang offshore wind farm, developed by Mainstream Renewable Power. The potential for wind energy in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone is estimated to be just over one terawatt, nearly doubling previous World Bank estimates.
Thailand's Wind Energy Ambitions
Thailand's current draft Power Development Plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065. As of 2023, Thailand has around 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of wind power, making up only around 3% of its installed capacity. There is potential for 13-17 GW of onshore wind energy across Thailand. Thailand's leading wind energy developer, Wind Energy Holding, is preparing 2GW of projects.
While several companies are involved in wind power component production and development in Thailand, such as Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Thailand) Ltd. and Hitachi Energy, there is no specific direct confirmation of wind turbine component manufacturing by them in Thailand from the available data.
Cambodia and Laos' Wind Power Plans
Cambodia does not yet have any major wind farms, but authorities have approved six hydropower projects in Mondulkiri province that are expected to generate 900MW. Laos' most widely publicised upcoming wind project is the Monsoon Wind Power project (MWP), which is the first large-scale ground-mounted wind farm in Laos and has been touted as the largest in Southeast Asia. Construction on the first offshore wind project is "likely" to begin by the end of this year.
In conclusion, Southeast Asia is making significant strides in harnessing wind power, with countries like Vietnam leading the way. However, challenges remain, particularly in countries like Myanmar, where the mining of rare earth elements has resulted in environmental and human costs. As countries in the region continue to invest in renewable energy, it is crucial to ensure that these developments are sustainable and cause minimal harm to the environment and local communities.
