A report in the June issue of Asian Legal Business explores the growth of renewable energy production in Southeast Asia. The story highlights the obstacles that the region faces, including high energy costs, an underdeveloped infrastructure, and a volatile regulatory environment. Despite these, the report provides affirmation of the clean energy revolution that has started brewing in Southeast Asia, particularly in the production of solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

In examining investments and projects in individual countries, the report quotes Quoc A. Vuong, registered foreign attorney in the Tilleke & Gibbins corporate and commercial team in Vietnam, on matters involving government subsidies and the extent to which they actually profit foreign investors.

David Duncan, consultant with Tilleke & Gibbins in Bangkok, is also referred to for his expertise in the area as he explains the successes and failures of past investors and how government enthusiasm is not sufficient from a purely business investment perspective. He also provides a more skeptical view of the growth of the industry and concludes with a wider perspective on the importance of better technology to make the production of renewable energy more economically sustainable, of the changes in price of traditional energy sources, and of the instability and uncertainty of very politicized subsidies.

Asian Legal Business is a leading provider of legal news and information for legal professionals in China, North and Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East. For more information, please visit the Asian Legal Business website, or to view the article, please click on the PDF below.