Renewable energy development towards sustainable development goals: A review of Thailand's and the Philippines’ laws and policies

Authors

  • Farahdilah Ghazali School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
  • Siti Fazilah Abdul Shukor Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampus Kampar, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia.
  • Ridoan Karim School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp1-33

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Renewable energy (RE) is vital for sustainable energy access and climate change mitigation. Despite rising energy demand, Thailand and the Philippines have made limited progress in integrating RE into their energy portfolios. Both countries have implemented policies and projects aligned with Target 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasizes affordable and sustainable energy for all. This study examines the effectiveness of legal and policy frameworks in overcoming barriers to RE development and supporting sustainable energy transitions.

Methodology: A comprehensive library-research methodology was employed, incorporating statutory and conceptual approaches. Key legislations, such as Thailand’s National Energy Policy Act (1992) and the Philippines’ Renewable Energy Act (2008), were reviewed to evaluate their alignment with sustainability principles and SDG commitments. The analysis focused on identifying regulatory gaps, financial barriers, and governance challenges within the RE landscape.

Findings: The findings indicate that, while RE presents significant potential for socioeconomic development and energy security, its growth is hindered by regulatory inefficiencies, financial constraints, and limited government support. Comprehensive legal frameworks and targeted incentives are essential to address these barriers and promote a transition to a sustainable energy mix.

Contributions: This study contributes to the discourse on RE governance by highlighting the need for robust policies, financial incentives, and stakeholder collaboration. It provides insights for policymakers to enhance RE adoption and achieve sustainable development goals in Thailand and the Philippines.

Keywords: Renewable energy, legal framework, policy, Thailand, Philippines.

Author Biographies

  • Farahdilah Ghazali, School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

    Farahdilah Ghazali is a senior lecturer at School of Business and Economics, University Putra Malaysia (UPM). Her specializations are Natural Resources Law (Renewable Energy in particular) and Business Law.

  • Siti Fazilah Abdul Shukor, Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampus Kampar, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia.

    Siti Fazilah Abdul Shukor is an assistant professor and  Head of Department (Department of Business and Public Administration) at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).

  • Ridoan Karim, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

    Dr. Ridoan Karim is a Lecturer in Business Law, and Deputy Director of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Business, Monash University Malaysia. He has taught and researched in the fields of business and cyber law. Initially, Ridoan was fascinated by the policies and laws surrounding renewable and nuclear energy.

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Published

2024-07-31

How to Cite

Renewable energy development towards sustainable development goals: A review of Thailand’s and the Philippines’ laws and policies. (2024). Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 9(2), 1-33. https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp1-33