New model says three Southeast Asian countries can reach net-zero by mid-century

A combination of renewable energy sources, increasing flexible capacity and sustainable fuel development could allow Vietnam, Luzon in the Philippines and Sulawesi in Indonesia to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 according to a model produced by Helsinki-based Wärtsilä. The model, as reported by Diesel International’s Powertrain E-magazine, would also cut the levelized cost of electricity by more than 20 percent when future carbon taxes are considered.

Compared to a Business As Usual model, the report indicates that Vietnam could avoid nearly USD 28 billion in carbon taxes, Luzon could save USD 6 billion and Sulawesi over USD 1 billion. That is in addition to cost reductions of 20 percent, 23 percent and 23 percent respectively.

The report recommends that fossil fuels be phased out and investment focused on renewable energy sources, flexible generation and distribution capacity and sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen.