USAID Clean Power Asia: Powering Profits with Renewable Energy

The organization supports project developers, financial institutions, and investors in the deployment of grid-connected renewable energy generation. Working across a range of renewable energy technologies, including solar PV, wind, biomass, and small hydro, USAID Clean Power Asia guides stakeholders through regulatory complexities, supports technical and financial analysis, and serves as independent advisors for investment opportunities. Energy costs across Asia are expected to rise, while the cost of renewables continues to decline. This trend presents an opportunity for businesses to save money by using renewable energy and earn praise as a responsible corporate citizen. Reduced energy costs and doing something good for the environment can be achieved through investment in renewables. USAID Clean Power Asia estimates that a hypothetical 1 MW rooftop solar system owned and operated by a commercial or industrial facility can result in significant savings. The organization offers a suite of tools and solutions to support investment decisions, including custom analyses of economic potential, review of financial models, and identification of sources of capital. USAID Clean Power Asia also provides support on contracting and procurement, strategic advice on project and financial structuring, introductions to its investor network, and connections to global corporate renewable energy buyer networks. Additionally, the organization invites stakeholders to renewable energy events. USAID Clean Power Asia assisted a leading retailer in Thailand to install rooftop solar panels on their stores. The team developed power purchase agreement templates, tailored financial models, and draft term sheets for third-party financing. The installation of solar panels resulted in lower electricity costs and a smaller carbon footprint for the business. This success story highlights the potential benefits of renewable energy adoption in Southeast Asia. USAID Clean Power Asia's technical advisory services are positioning businesses to power up profits with renewables. The organization's tools and solutions, including investment guidelines, standardized contracts, financial models, project financing, project aggregation, and project bankability, are designed to support dynamic businesses in embracing renewable energy. By leveraging these resources, businesses can harness the power of renewable energy for a sustainable ASEAN.