Summary
How can ASEAN power systems accommodate higher shares of variable renewable energy (VRE)?
As ASEAN accelerates the integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) into its power systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS) can play a critical role in managing the operational challenges associated with higher shares of VRE. With VRE shares in ASEAN’s power-generation mix expected to reach 5%–50% by 2030, enabling the wider deployment of BESS will require appropriate policy, regulatory, market, procurement, and remuneration frameworks.
Jointly developed by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and International Energy Agency (IEA), this White Paper identifies priority actions for policymakers, regulators, utilities, and market operators to accelerate BESS deployment and support VRE integration. It groups ASEAN Member States into three clusters based on their VRE integration readiness and maturity of BESS policy and regulatory frameworks: foundational, enabling, and transformational. The paper also highlights different approaches to procurement and revenue mechanisms, outlining opportunities for regional knowledge exchange and cooperation to accelerate BESS project roll-outs.
The publication was developed as part of the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairship's Annual Priorities on Energy and launched at the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) on 7 October in Manila, Philippines.