Megacities face renewables reality
Population density and grid constraints could limit renewables’ capacity to power Asia-Pacific's rapidly expanding urban metropolises
Asia-Pacific countries have come under international pressure to lower the carbon footprints of their rapidly expanding megacities. But national leaders are concerned that replacing legacy transmission systems in sprawling, high-density population centres with renewable energy infrastructure could threaten those cities’ economic growth. Global development officials called for an overhaul of climate change planning for Asia’s cities on 15 October. “Cities in Asia-Pacific are at the forefront of global efforts for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Our cities must be better planned, managed and financed to protect the environment,” said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, executive director of UN-Habit
Also in this section
21 March 2025
Two recent developments raise the prospect of a revival in northern Iraqi oil and gas fortunes, but familiar obstacles could thwart momentum
20 March 2025
As cash-strapped Western governments commit to substantially raising defence expenditure, a similar dynamic is playing out in Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas sector, as Saudi Aramco maintains it heavy capex push despite reduced revenues
20 March 2025
Tariffs, sanctions and trade conflicts are upending the oil market, impacting crude differentials and shipping rates and creating uncertainty
20 March 2025
While advanced economies debate peak fossil fuel demand, billions of people still lack access to reliable and affordable energy, especially in the Global South
