The Energy Pioneer
Clean Energy Policy
The Fight Against Coal in Southeast Asia
By: Otto Gunderson
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which accounts for almost a dozen countries, includes several of the fastest growing economies in the world. Unfortunately, much of the energy that is fueling this economic development is coming from oil, natural gas, and most concerningly, coal. Approximately 40% of the power generation across the region continues to be from coal-fired power plants. While there has been a push for clean energy development throughout the region, significant concern remains that this will be outpaced by the growing energy demand and make the GHG emission reduction benchmarks set by these countries unreachable.
Singapore's Unique Renewable Problems (& Solutions)
By: Otto Gunderson
Singapore, with an energy matrix that is composed of 97% oil and gas, is in desperate need of renewable solutions. Unfortunately, due to its limitations as a city-state, Singapore has struggled to develop large scale renewable energy projects. The lack of available land for utility-scale wind and solar farms, along with the fact that Singapore does not possess the required resources to develop strong geothermal, hydroelectric, or nuclear industries, has thus far prevented widespread adoption of renewables.
Thailand's Floating Solar Solution
By: Otto Gunderson
With the goal of reaching carbon neutral by 2050, Thailand is pushing heavily to decarbonize its energy sector. Like many countries in SouthEast Asia, this means reducing coal, oil, and natural gas usage and turning to renewable alternatives. While Thailand is anticipating growth from hydropower, wind, and biofuels, its most significant expected growth must come from the solar industry. As of 2021, there was an installed solar PV capacity of 2.9 GW. By 2037 the target capacity is 15.6 GW, dwarfing all other forms of renewable energy.
Argentina & Chile: A Tale of Two Countries
By: Otto Gunderson
While not traditionally held up as a pinnacle of renewable energy development, Chile has quietly become a leader in South America for developing environmental policy and attracting renewable investment. With the amount of solar and wind energy eclipsing coal for the first time in its history and a populace that is perhaps the most environmentally friendly in the world, Chile has set lofty renewable energy goals and is poised to meet them.
Improving Grid Transmission in Andean Countries
By: Otto Gunderson
In conversation with renewable energy entrepreneurs and enthusiasts throughout South America, the most common response to the question of what needs to be improved is “grid transmission.” How can this be done and how can the US lessons help?
Growing Colombia's Clean Energy Workforce
By: Otto Gunderson
The transition to renewable energy gives Colombia the opportunity to reduce emissions while giving high-paying jobs to Colombian workers. Between 2019 and 2021, Colombia awarded 4.5 gigawatts of solar and onshore wind power projects which are expected to be completed over the course of the next 5 years. These projects, along with offshore wind and green hydrogen initiatives, are expected to generate 120,000 high-paying jobs. However, this will require both training a workforce in a new field while also providing incentives for workers to switch out of the oil and natural gas industry.
Grid Transmission Progress in the U.S
By: Otto Gunderson
As the U.S. continues to see the highest levels of renewable energy investment in its history, the investment required to expand and improve the energy transmission grid will need to keep pace. This is happening through a combination of private investment and support by the Biden administration. Private companies such as National Grid are investing heavily in grid innovation, while the Biden administration announced $13 billion in new funding opportunities for the modernization and expansion of the electric grid. This funding will be split between the Grid Resilience Innovative Partnership (GRIP) and the Transmission Facilitation Program.
Circular Economic Practices in Argentina
By: Otto Gunderson
The call for circular economic practices to be used in conjunction with other aspects of the renewable energy transition has been gaining more attention within the U.S. and Europe. Projects in the U.S. such as circular economy for textiles and metrics and tools for sustainable buildings encourage industries to take their downstream material usage seriously. While Argentina has not created a comprehensive plan to promote the circular economy, this presents opportunities as well as challenges. By learning from the circular economic policies and practices of the US and Europe, Argentina can integrate its push for renewable energy into a shift to a circular economy.