Asian environmental organizations advocate for energy self-reliance in the face of U.S. fossil fuel trading agreements
Headline: Asian Communities Push for Renewable Energy Amidst Increased US Oil and Gas Imports
In a significant move, groups across Asia are joining the global Draw the Line mobilization in September, demanding climate action from their governments. This comes as reports indicate that Indonesia and India are planning to increase imports of US oil and gas, a decision that has raised concerns among climate activists in the region.
The focus in Japan is on creating energy resilience for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, who are especially affected by climate destruction. In Suita City, Osaka, a nursing home uses community-owned solar energy, a testament to the potential of community-led renewable energy in Japan.
Similarly, in Nepal, a solar micro-grid boosted livelihoods in Dhapsung Village, an upland community in Sindhupalchowk District. These initiatives highlight the role of community-led renewable energy in addressing climate risks and promoting energy sovereignty in Asia.
However, the increased imports of US oil and gas into Asia have a largely negative impact on the development of renewable energy and the region's climate commitments. Trade deals that expand US fossil fuel exports to Asian countries, such as Indonesia and India, increase dependence on fossil fuels, undermining efforts to phase out these emissions-intensive energy sources and to scale up renewable energy by 2030 or 2035.
Climate groups in Asia argue that importing more US oil and gas compromises energy sovereignty and delays the region’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables, heightening climate risks as the world nears the critical 1.5°C warming limit. They stress the need for community-led renewable initiatives rather than fossil-fuel dependency driven by trade pressures.
Countries like Indonesia have ambitious renewable energy targets, but are importing large amounts of US oil and gas to reduce tariffs under bilateral deals. Experts warn this risks sacrificing renewable development for short-term trade benefits and could slow the energy transition.
Beyond direct fossil fuel imports, US policy actions such as high tariffs on Asian solar panels and renewable technology exports to the US increase costs and disrupt clean energy supply chains globally. This tariff barrier limits Asian manufacturers’ access to major markets and raises renewable project costs, thereby indirectly slowing renewable deployment in the region.
Japan’s role as a major LNG exporter is also contributing to the problem, as it encourages continued gas use in Southeast Asia. This undercuts decarbonization efforts because LNG, though cleaner than coal, remains a fossil fuel and delays the growth of renewables in Asia.
In response to these challenges, 350.org Asia launched the REImagine Asia campaign, focusing on community-led renewable energy. The campaign emphasizes the need for rich countries and polluters to pay their climate debt to enable developing countries in Asia to achieve energy sovereignty.
Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, 350.org Indonesia Team Lead, expressed concern about increasing US oil and gas imports moving Asia further away from renewable energy goals. Chuck Baclagon, 350.org Asia Regional Finance Campaigner, stated that Asian governments should not be pressured into increasing US oil and gas imports.
In Indonesia, the Gunung Sawur Community Microhydro in Sumberwuluh Village, Lumajang has led to women's empowerment. These initiatives demonstrate the transformative potential of community-led renewable energy in Asia.
As Asia faces serious climate impacts, particularly typhoons in Japan, the need for energy resilience is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations during natural disasters. Community-led renewable energy can help address climate risks in Japan and other Asian countries, creating a new kind of energy community that combines climate action with care.
[1] https://www.350.org/press/reimagining-asias-energy-transition-under-threat-from-us-oil-gas-exports/ [2] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/indonesia-india-us-oil-gas-deals-climate-change-renewable-energy-15031782 [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-tariffs-hurt-solar-panel-industry-asias-renewable-push-2021-03-01/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/japan-gas-exports-rise-as-asian-demand-soars-2021-07-20/
- The increased imports of US oil and gas into Asia threaten the development of renewable energy and hinder the region's commitment to climate action.
- Solar micro-grids in upland communities, like Dhapsung Village in Nepal, demonstrate the potential of community-led renewable energy in addressing climate risks and promoting energy sovereignty in Asia.
- Trade deals that expand US fossil fuel exports to Asian countries, such as Indonesia and India, increase dependence on fossil fuels, delaying the phase-out of emissions-intensive energy sources and the scale-up of renewable energy by 2030 or 2035.
- High tariffs on Asian solar panels and renewable technology exports to the US increase costs and disrupt clean energy supply chains globally, slowing renewable deployment in the region.
- Japan's role as a major LNG exporter contributes to the problem by encouraging continued gas use in Southeast Asia, which undercuts decarbonization efforts and delays the growth of renewables in Asia.
