On-grid solar energy in Asia: Status, policies, and future prospects

The energy demand in Asia has increased significantly in the past few decades, and is further projected to almost double by 2030. Specifically, the electricity demand in 2030 would be about 11,593 TWh, of which almost three-quarters would be from China, India and Japan. Also, the number of people without access to electricity in Asia is expected to be around 226 million in 2030. These figures indicate the significant investments required, and the various technology options to be considered for electricity generation in Asia. Solar photovoltaic (PV) is by far the most popular solar technology for online grid-connected systems, through solar farms and roof top systems, while concentrated solar thermal power system is slowly making inroads. This trend is significant in China, India, Indonesia and Thailand, and other Asian countries are increasingly following this trend. In Asia, a total of 87.75 GW PV and about 250 MW concentrated solar power systems, which are mainly grid-connected system, have been installed at the end of 2015. Most Asian countries have or are considering feed-in-tariff to promote solar PV in their countries, along with renewable and solar PV targets for 2020, 2030 and beyond. Interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the need to provide access to electricity to all citizens, constantly reducing PV prices and introduction of favourable policies are expected to contribute to spur the growth of online grid-connected solar systems in the coming years to much higher levels