Renewable energy investment in Southeast Asia: Legal frameworks governing foreign direct investment in Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines

Renewable energy investment in southeast Asia has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by the global transition towards low-carbon economies. This paper examines the legal frameworks governing foreign direct investment (FDI) in renewable energy in Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines. It explores how each country balances the promotion of green energy projects with environmental protection obligations. Using a comparative legal approach, this study analyzes national investment laws, bilateral investment treaties (BITS), and renewable energy policies. The research finds that Singapore's strong regulatory environment and stable investment climate attract substantial FDI in solar and waste-to-energy projects. Vietnam's rapid expansion of solar power has been fueled by foreign investors, yet regulatory uncertainty and grid capacity limitations remain challenges. The Philippines, while rich in renewable resources, faces barriers such as inconsistent policy implementation and local content requirements (Asian Development Bank [ADB], ۲۰۲۱). The paper concludes by recommending harmonization of investment regulations and the inclusion of robust environmental safeguards in FDI agreements to foster sustainable growth in the region.

کلیدواژه ها:

Foreign direct investment ، renewable energy ، Southeast Asia