How five mainland Southeast Asian countries are powering up with wind energy - Reccessary
Published November 23, 2025
How Five Mainland Southeast Asian Countries are Advancing with Wind Energy
In recent years, five countries in mainland Southeast Asia—Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar—have made significant strides in harnessing wind energy. As the global demand for renewable energy increases, these nations are capitalizing on their geographical advantages to develop wind power projects that promise to reshape their energy landscapes.
Wind energy is becoming an essential component of the region's energy mix, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. The following sections delve into the wind energy developments in each of these five countries, highlighting their achievements and future potential.
Vietnam: Leading the Charge
Vietnam has emerged as a leader in wind energy development in Southeast Asia. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Wind energy is a crucial part of this plan, with the government promoting various incentives to attract investment in the sector.
As of 2023, Vietnam has installed over 1,500 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity, with several projects in the pipeline. The most notable among these is the Binh Thuan Wind Power Project, which has a capacity of 1,200 MW and is expected to be operational by 2025. Additionally, the government has identified several coastal areas with high wind potential, further encouraging the development of offshore wind farms.
Vietnam's favorable wind conditions, particularly in the south-central and southern coastal regions, have attracted both domestic and international investors. The country’s commitment to renewable energy is further reflected in its long-term energy strategy, which emphasizes the importance of diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on coal.
Thailand: Diversifying Energy Sources
Thailand is making significant progress in wind energy, with a current capacity of approximately 1,300 MW. The country’s Power Development Plan (PDP) aims to increase renewable energy's share in the energy mix to 30% by 2037. Wind energy plays a crucial role in achieving this goal, and Thailand is focusing on both onshore and offshore wind projects.
One of the key projects is the Thepa Wind Farm, which has a capacity of 1,000 MW and is expected to be completed by 2025. This project is part of Thailand's efforts to harness its wind resources, particularly in the northeastern region, which has shown promising wind speeds.
Thailand's government is also implementing various policies to encourage private sector participation in wind energy development. Feed-in tariffs and power purchase agreements are among the incentives designed to attract investment and facilitate the growth of the wind energy sector.
Cambodia: Emerging Opportunities
Cambodia is in the early stages of developing its wind energy potential. Although the country has not yet installed any large-scale wind farms, several projects are in the planning phase. The Cambodian government has expressed its commitment to diversifying its energy sources, with wind energy being a key focus area.
In 2023, the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced plans for a pilot wind farm in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, which is expected to have a capacity of 50 MW. This project aims to assess the feasibility of larger wind projects in the future.
Cambodia's geographical location offers significant wind energy potential, particularly along its coastal areas. The government is actively seeking foreign investment and technical expertise to develop its wind energy resources and integrate them into the national grid.
Laos: Harnessing Hydropower and Wind
Laos has traditionally relied on hydropower for its energy needs, but the government is now exploring wind energy as a complementary resource. The country has identified several regions with favorable wind conditions, particularly in the southern provinces.
As of 2023, Laos has announced plans to develop its first wind farm, with a targeted capacity of 100 MW. The project is expected to contribute to the country's renewable energy goals, which aim to achieve 30% of total energy generation from renewable sources by 2025.
Laos is also looking to leverage its existing infrastructure and expertise in hydropower to support the development of wind energy. The government is working on creating a regulatory framework that encourages investment in the wind sector and facilitates the integration of wind energy into the national grid.
Myanmar: Potential for Growth
Myanmar is in the nascent stages of developing its wind energy sector. With a current energy capacity of around 4,000 MW, the country has primarily relied on natural gas and hydropower. However, the government is recognizing the potential of wind energy and is exploring opportunities to diversify its energy sources.
In 2023, the Ministry of Electricity and Energy announced plans to conduct feasibility studies for potential wind farm sites across the country. Initial assessments have identified several areas with promising wind resources, particularly in the coastal regions.
Myanmar's government is actively seeking foreign investment to support the development of wind energy projects. By attracting international partners, the country aims to build the necessary infrastructure and expertise to harness its wind potential effectively.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Wind Energy in Southeast Asia
The five mainland Southeast Asian countries—Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar—are making significant strides in the development of wind energy. With their unique geographical advantages and government support, these nations are poised to increase their wind energy capacity in the coming years.
As the region continues to invest in renewable energy, wind power will play a crucial role in addressing energy demands while contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. The ongoing projects and future initiatives in these countries reflect a growing commitment to sustainable energy solutions, paving the way for a greener future in Southeast Asia.
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