Key Facts
• On September 10, 2025, the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) was held in Singapore.
• Experts emphasized the need to end fossil fuel subsidies, provide stable policies, and invest in power grids.
• Lawrence Wu, CFO of EDP Renewables Asia, identified coal subsidies as a major obstacle.
• Countries like Indonesia and India continue to promote coal use to keep electricity costs low.
• Singapore’s Vena Group CEO, Nitin Apte, highlighted policy, not technology, as the main constraint.
• Taiwan canceled two offshore wind power permits in 2025 due to regulatory issues.
• India canceled 11.4 GW of renewable energy bids over two years due to high costs.
• Delays in permits and approvals have increased financing costs for renewable projects.
• EDP Renewables is increasing investments in Japan and Australia, citing manageable risks.
Summary
The Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) in Singapore highlighted the challenges in accelerating clean energy adoption across Asia. Experts stressed the importance of ending fossil fuel subsidies, ensuring stable policies, and investing in power grids. Persistent coal subsidies and political use of energy were identified as key barriers. Countries like Indonesia and India continue to rely on coal to maintain low electricity costs, citing low per capita emissions. Policy constraints, such as Taiwan’s cancellation of offshore wind permits and India’s withdrawal of renewable energy bids, further hinder progress. Delays in regulatory approvals have also raised financing costs. Despite these challenges, EDP Renewables is expanding investments in Japan and Australia, viewing risks in these markets as sustainable. A long-term, predictable policy framework is deemed essential for advancing renewable energy in the region.
