Integration of variable renewable energy, electric vehicle, and smart microgrid in ASEAN: A focus group discussion approach

Abstract

Southeast Asia is expecting rapid growth in energy and vehicle demand. Variable renewable energy such as solar and wind have high potential in the region. ASEAN aims to increase the renewable energy share in power capacity to 35% 2025. The increase in renewable energy share can drive a shift in the current energy management system. The adoption of electric vehicles can bridge the link between the energy and vehicle sectors towards a green transformation. Electric vehicles that are powered by electricity from renewable sources creates demand by consuming energy from the grid, but it can also serve as battery storage that can discharge energy back to the grid if needed. It is known that the intermittent nature and high penetration of variable renewable energy can lead to power instability. However, microgrids can be designed and incorporated with electric vehicles and variable renewable energy deployments to enhance the reliability and stability of the power system. The engagement with key stakeholders related to the deployment of the platform for the use of these three technologies is crucial to gain better insight on the market status, including the current and future price and penetration trends, and deployment opportunities and barriers. A focus group discussion involving related stakeholders on the aspects of policies and targets, technology readiness, and implementation strategies, was thus conducted. The results showed that there have been concrete policies on the renewable energy installation targets among the countries. Electric vehicles penetration is also an existing priority with different countries having varying targets for the electric vehicle fleets and charging stations. However, for microgrids, it was found that there is less information on their deployment and application. As such, more detailed technical and economic assessment following its potential connection to current grid with other features including variable renewable energy and electric vehicles, as well as the available smart features in optimising power scheduling, should be carried out.