The renewable energy (RE) share in electricity generation (%) refers to the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal. This indicator measures how much of a country or region's electricity infrastructure relies on RE for generating electricity and reflects the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

The visual in the dashboard shows visualizes the percentage of renewable energy in electricity generation across different countries in Asia since the turn of the century. It is based on data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The left portion indicates the evolution in the RE % shares from 2000 to 2022, while the bar chart on the right indicates the percentage points change between 2010 and 2022 and depicts the direction and strength of change towards or against the integration of RE in electricity generation.

Why This Indicator Matters for Sustainable Transportation?

Transportation is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 22% of global CO₂ emissions from energy. Asia contributes 40% of the global (excluding international shipping and aviation) transport CO₂ emissions. The electrification of transport, combined with clean electricity grids had been touted by many as necessary pillars for achieving the decarbonisation of the transport sector. In fact, it is one of the most cited transport-related climate change mitigation measure in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from low- and middle-income economies in Asia-Pacific.

As many countries transition to electric vehicles (EVs), public transit electrification, and rail-based freight systems, the source of electricity used to power these systems becomes crucial, and these benefits can potentially be accrued:

Lower Carbon Emissions from Transport

Electrifying transportation can offer significant environmental benefits only if the electricity comes from low- or zero-emission sources. For example, a fleet of electric buses powered by coal-based electricity merely shifts emissions from tailpipes to power plants. A high share of renewables in electricity generation ensures that EVs and electric rail networks operate with minimal carbon footprints.

Lowering Operational Costs and Shifting Resources towards Improved Levels of Service for Public Transport

Electric public transport offers long-term savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs, as electricity is generally cheaper per kilometer than diesel or gasoline, especially when sourced from renewables that provide more stable energy prices. Furthermore, on-site renewable energy systems, like solar panels, can help lower energy costs by generating clean power locally.

Energy Security and Cost Stability

Renewable energy sources reduce dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets, creating energy security. This becomes essential for countries promoting electric transport systems, as it lowers operational costs and shields the transport sector from energy price fluctuations, which often impact conventional fuel.

Support for Circular Economy in Mobility

Beyond emissions reduction, integrating renewables into the transport ecosystem supports a circular economy model by promoting sustainable energy usage for vehicle production (e.g., battery manufacturing) and recharging infrastructure, ensuring the entire lifecycle is environmentally friendly.

For more details about e-mobility, check our e-mobility profiles here: https://asiantransportoutlook.com/analytical-outputs/emobilityprofiles/

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