Climate Resilience for Energy Security in Southeast Asia
Abstract
The International Energy Agency (IEA) examines the impacts of climate change on energy security in Southeast Asia. The region faces significant challenges from rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise. Key findings include:
- Temperature Rise: Land surface temperatures have increased by 0.8°C since the 1980s, with more frequent and intense heatwaves.
- Precipitation Patterns: Projected erratic and heavier rainfall, leading to higher flood risks.
- Tropical Cyclones: Intensification, particularly affecting Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
- Sea-Level Rise: Increased coastal flooding and storm surges.
These impacts affect the entire energy value chain, from fuel extraction to electricity distribution, posing challenges to the region's energy security.
Summary of Climate Hazards and Exposure
| Country |
Warming |
River Flood |
Coastal Flood |
Drought |
Tropical Cyclone |
| Brunei Darussalam |
0.023 |
4.9 |
3.3 |
1.6 |
1.6 |
| Cambodia |
0.017 |
8.7 |
3.8 |
3.9 |
1.8 |
| Indonesia |
0.029 |
8.3 |
8.1 |
2.2 |
1.5 |
| Lao PDR |
0.041 |
8.2 |
0 |
2.4 |
1.4 |
| Malaysia |
0.027 |
6.8 |
6.4 |
2.8 |
0 |
| Myanmar |
0.032 |
8.8 |
8 |
0.6 |
5.8 |
| Philippines |
0.026 |
6.7 |
8.9 |
3.3 |
9.2 |
| Singapore |
0.021 |
0 |
1.9 |
0 |
0 |
| Thailand |
0.026 |
9.8 |
5.5 |
5.2 |
1.6 |
| Vietnam |
0.032 |
9.9 |
9.6 |
3.4 |
5.9 |
Notes:
- Low Exposure: Slope of temperature regression < -0.011°C/year.
- Medium Exposure: -0.011°C/year ≤ slope < 0.011°C/year.
- High Exposure: Slope > 0.011°C/year.
Impacts on Power Sector
- Solar PV: Higher temperatures reduce generation efficiency and damage cells.
- Natural Gas-Fired Power Plants: Reduced air mass flow and increased cooling water temperature affect power generation.
- Electricity Grids: Extreme heat causes overhead lines to heat up, expand, and sag, while underground cables experience short circuits due to stressed insulating materials.
Conclusion
Southeast Asia needs a climate-resilient energy system to mitigate these impacts. Effective measures include:
- Enhancing grid flexibility and resilience.
- Promoting renewable energy integration.
- Improving energy efficiency and storage solutions.
- Strengthening infrastructure against extreme weather events.
These measures aim to ensure a safe, reliable, and affordable energy future for the region.
