Key Resources
Press Release
Cheaper to build new renewables than run existing coal plants within 10 years’ time in South-east Asia
Read MoreIndonesia Briefing
Vietnam Briefing
Philippines Briefing
Examining the stranded asset risk of coal plants in Indonesia, Vietnam and The Philippines
These three country briefings examine the potential stranded risk exposure associated with planned and existing coal-fired power capacity in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The study also examines how meeting the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement is likely to affect the economic viability of planned and operational coal-fired power plants across the three Southeast Asian countries.
The briefing results are informed by detailed asset-level economic and financial modelling. The models are underpinned by detailed asset inventory and performance data, as well as comprehensive technical, market and regulatory assumptions. For further information on the applied methodology, please refer to the appendix of the individual country briefs.
Key Findings
It could be cheaper to build new renewables than new coal as early as 2020
Between 2020 and 2022, it could be cheaper to build new solar PV than to build new coal capacity across the three countries of study. These changing cost dynamics call into question the 70 GW or $120 bn of planned coal investments across Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Within a decade it could be cheaper to build new renewables than operate coal
It could be cheaper to build new renewables than operate existing coal fired power plants within 10 years. By 2027/28, it will be cheaper to build new solar PV capacity in Vietnam and Indonesia than keep existing coal plants operating. By 2028/29, this will be the same for new onshore wind in Vietnam and solar PV in the Philippines. Please see the individual country briefings for detailed company results.
Stranded Risk Summary Table
Majority of combined $60bn stranded asset risk is concentrated in existing coal capacity
Coal power owners in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines collectively risk losing up to $60 bn in a scenario that sees coal power phased-out in a manner consistent with the temperature goal in the Paris Agreement. The average coal unit in these nations will be retired at just 15 years old, far earlier than forty-year assumptions often associated with coal plant lifetimes. Indonesia is the most at risk of stranded assets, with $35 bn at risk. Please see the individual country briefings for detailed company results.
