RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: A REVIEW IN THAILAND AND THE PHILIPPINES' LAWS AND POLICIES

Background and Purpose: Renewable energy (RE) plays a significant role in providing sustainable and clean energy as well as mitigating climate change. With the increased energy demand to support the growth of the economic sector, Thailand and the Philippines have moved towards improved energy cooperation, where renewable energy is an important subject matter in line with Target 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thailand and the Philippines have embarked on renewable energy projects and introduced numerous laws and policies to incentivise such an agenda. Nevertheless, the contribution of renewable energy in these countries' energy portfolios remains insignificant. Thus, this study aims to examine the current renewable energy laws and policies in Thailand and the Philippines, in assisting these countries to achieve the SDGs. Methodology: This study used a library-research methodology including statutory and conceptual approaches that focus on the laws and policies on renewable energy in Thailand and the Philippines. The utility of conceptual analysis is to understand the concepts and relevance of renewable energy and SDGs in the philosophies of environment, sustainability and law. Findings: Despite the fact RE provides opportunities in respect to socioeconomic development, energy access, energy security, and climate change mitigation, the existence of barriers to RE development leads to obstacles in accelerating RE's share in the energy mix in Thailand and the Philippines. Comprehensive laws and policies to support renewable energy development are required to address these challenges. Nevertheless, legal frameworks are only one aspect that contributes to RE development. Governments' support through various incentives including financial and economic instruments are critical to navigating the transition toward a cleaner and affordable energy sector. Contributions: This study enhances the body of knowledge by examining the initiative for renewable energy development, advocating for comprehensive legal frameworks, and emphasizing the societal importance of government support to drive RE's role in sustainable development in Thailand and the Philippines.