Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Policies in Southeast Asia: Toward a Regional Energy Governance Framework

As Southeast Asia faces rising energy demand and climate vulnerability, renewable energy has emerged as a critical policy priority across the region. This chapter provides a comparative analysis of national renewable energy policies in selected ASEAN countries—including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines—highlighting similarities, divergences, and the underlying political-economic drivers of energy transition strategies.Drawing on the lens of international political economy, the chapter investigates how national interests, political institutions, and external partnerships shape renewable energy frameworks and influence implementation outcomes. Special attention is given to regional cooperation mechanisms under ASEAN, and the potential for developing a more cohesive and integrated energy governance structure that supports decarbonization while ensuring energy security. The chapter further explores the role of multilateral initiatives, foreign direct investment, and public-private partnerships in supporting renewable energy development. It argues that while Southeast Asia has made progress in policy formulation, significant gaps remain in regulatory consistency, cross-border infrastructure, and regional financing instruments. By emphasizing both comparative policy analysis and regional integration, this chapter contributes to the broader understanding of how emerging economies navigate the transition to clean energy within a politically and economically interdependent global system.