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
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
