Ember forecasts solar and wind could power 30% of ASEAN data centres

Ember anticipates that a third of ASEAN data centre electricity demand could be met by wind and solar by 2030, without batteries, if appropriate political measures are implemented.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Up to 30% of energy consumption by data centres in Southeast Asia could be supplied by renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2030, without requiring battery storage. That is the conclusion of a report published by energy think tank Ember on May 27. The study calls for policy reforms to align regional digital growth with energy objectives.

Electricity demand rising rapidly

Ember’s report highlights accelerating development of digital infrastructure across six ASEAN economies: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. These countries currently account for 2.9 GW of planned data centre capacity. The expansion of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is significantly increasing power demand in a region still heavily reliant on coal and gas.

Malaysia faces the highest exposure

According to Ember, Malaysia will experience the fastest growth in electricity demand from data centres. It is expected to rise from 9 TWh in 2024 to 68 TWh in 2030, representing 30% of the projected national consumption, surpassing Singapore’s total electricity use in 2023. Associated emissions could reach 40 MtCO2e, seven times current levels, placing Malaysia at the top of the region for data centre-related emissions.

Pathways identified without storage dependency

The study notes that wind and solar could meet a third of data centre electricity demand by 2030 without requiring battery storage, often viewed as a barrier to clean energy adoption. Ember considers this target achievable with strong political support, improved energy market access, and coordinated infrastructure planning.

Political framework needs strengthening

Currently, only large technology companies can secure renewable electricity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Ember recommends expanding access to more flexible mechanisms such as virtual PPAs and green tariffs, enabling smaller operators to procure clean electricity sustainably.

“ASEAN’s booming data centre industry risks derailing energy transition goals without urgent measures,” said Shabrina Nadhila, energy analyst at Ember. “Prioritising solar and wind, supported by solid policies and regional collaboration, would allow digital growth without deepening fossil fuel dependence.”

Cameroon will adopt a customs exemption on industrial equipment related to biofuels starting in 2026, as part of its new energy strategy aimed at regulating a still underdeveloped sector.
Facing a persistent fuel shortage and depleted foreign reserves, the Bolivian parliament has passed an exceptional law allowing private actors to import gasoline, diesel and LPG tax-free for three months.
Ghana aims to secure $16 billion in oil revenues over ten years, but the continued drop in production raises doubts about the sector’s long-term stability.
The government of Kinshasa has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam's Vingroup to develop a 6,300-hectare urban project and modernise mobility through an electric transport network.
ERCOT’s grid adapts to record electricity consumption by relying on the growth of solar, wind and battery storage to maintain system stability.
The French government will raise the energy savings certificate budget by 27% in 2026, leveraging more private funds to support thermal renovation and electric mobility.
Facing opposition criticism, Monique Barbut asserts that France’s energy sovereignty relies on a strategy combining civil nuclear power and renewable energy.
The European Commission is reviving efforts to abolish daylight saving time, supported by several member states, as the energy savings from the practice are now considered negligible.
Rising responses to UNEP’s satellite alerts trigger measurement, reporting and verification clauses; the European Union sets import milestones, Japan strengthens liquefied natural gas traceability; operators and steelmakers adjust budgets and contracts.
The Finance Committee has adopted an amendment to overhaul electricity pricing by removing the planned redistribution mechanism and capping producers' profit margins.
The European Commission unveils a seven-point action plan aimed at lowering energy costs, targeting energy-intensive industries and households facing persistently high utility bills.
The European Commission plans to keep energy at the heart of its 2026 agenda, with several structural reforms targeting market security, governance and simplification.
The new Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) axis combines a nuclear restart, targeted fuel tax cuts and energy subsidies, with immediate effects on prices and risk reallocations for operators. —
German authorities have ruled out market abuse by major power producers during sharp price increases caused by low renewable output in late 2024.
A new International Energy Agency report urges Maputo to accelerate energy investment to ensure universal electricity access and support its emerging industry.
Increased reliance on combined-cycle plants after the April 28 blackout pushed gas use for electricity up by about 37%, bringing total demand to 267.6 TWh and strengthening flows to France.
The United States announces a tariff increase beyond the 10% base rate targeting several Colombian products. Bogotá has recalled its ambassador. The detailed list of tariff lines has not yet been published, while Colombia’s ban on coal exports to Israel remains in effect.
The president-elect outlines a pro-market agenda: gradual reform of fuel subsidies, review of Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) lithium contracts, and monetization of gas transit between Argentina and Brazil, prioritizing supply stabilization.
A three-year partnership has been signed between Senegal and two Quebec-based companies to develop the country’s geoscientific capacity and structure its energy sector through technological innovation.
The South African government plans 105,000 MW of additional capacity by 2039 to redefine its energy mix, support industrialisation, and strengthen supply security.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.