Achieving a Sustainable Development Process by Deployment of Solar PV Power in ASEAN: A SWOT Analysis

Abstract

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has experienced rapid social and economic development in the past decades, while energy shortage, environmental pollution, and climate change are the factors that prevent a sustainable development process. Deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) power is one of the effective alternatives to overcome the above barriers and assist ASEAN to achieve the aspirational target of 23% renewable energy (RE) in the total primary energy supply (TPES). In this study, SWOT analysis is adopted to analyze the internal strengths and weaknesses and the external threats and opportunities tightly related to the development of solar PV power in ASEAN countries. Through the SWOT analysis, great potential for the development of solar PV power in ASEAN is found. As long as appropriate policies are implemented and proper actions are taken, huge space for deployment of solar PV power can be expected. Based on the SWOT analysis, countermeasures that emphasize further deployment of solar PV power in ASEAN countries are put forward. The tactics include arousing people’s awareness of a sustainable development process, government issue coherence and stable incentive policies, fostering a solar PV industry chain and master key technology, and seek opportunities via an international cooperation.