Assessment of Renewable Energy Potentials in Asia toward a Decarbonized World

Abstract

A decarbonized global society will require expanded deployment of renewable energy in Asia more than in any other region due to its large population and fast development compared to other world regions. Thus, the possibility of a decarbonized society in Asia depends first on the availability of renewable energy resources, which, in turn, depends on geographic and climatic conditions along with the status of technologies. This paper presents estimates of two major renewable resources, solar and wind, in terms of energy potentials from a model using georeferenced data. The outcomes are compared with current energy demand in Asian countries, and are discussed with respect to some of the gaps to be filled to secure the expansion of the region’s renewable energy supply.