Energy Sustainability in Southeast Asia: Towards the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

In Southeast Asia, primary energy demand is projected to increase from 554.8 Mtoe in 2010 to 1,110.2 Mtoe in 2035. Oil will continue to dominate the energy mix with coal share growing at the fastest annual rate of 4.8%. Increasing energy demand, continuing reliance on oil, and expanding coal usage require regional efforts to ensure the access to affordable and reliable energy while further developing sustainable and modern energy. Energy is central to development as it provides the engine for growth and drives industry, transport, power, residential, commercial and other sectors. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acknowledge the critical role of energy in human development as a means for poverty reduction, social progress, equity, enhanced resilience, economic growth and environmental sustainability. This emphasis is reflected in Goal 7: Ensure Access to Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable and Modern Energy. It sets five energy-related targets by 2030 including energy efficiency, clean energy research and technology, and energy infrastructure and technology upgrade.