Integrating Renewable Energy into Community-Based Tourism in Southeast Asia

As climate change intensifies and the demand for sustainable travel rises, community-based tourism (CBT) projects in Southeast Asia are redefining their operational models to be more environmentally friendly. Integrating renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, into these projects not only reduces carbon emissions but also delivers economic and social benefits—from lowering operating costs to creating local employment opportunities. In destinations such as Ben Tre (Vietnam), Luang Prabang (Laos), and Kampot (Cambodia), where CBT is thriving, renewable energy has emerged as a key solution to drive sustainable development, enhance quality of life, and meet tourists’ expectations for eco-friendly experiences.

Why Integrate Renewable Energy into Community-Based Tourism?

Community-based tourism in Southeast Asia often takes place in rural, remote, or island regions where power grid infrastructure is either unstable or expensive. Many communities rely on diesel generators, leading to high operating costs and significant carbon emissions, which negatively impact the environment. According to the International Energy Agency (2020), buildings and service activities, including tourism, account for a large share of total energy consumption in Southeast Asia, with electricity demand growing at an average rate of 6% per year. Meanwhile, a survey by Booking.com (2023) found that 97% of Vietnamese travelers prioritize green travel experiences, highlighting an urgent need for sustainable solutions in CBT.

Integrating renewable energy—such as solar and wind power—helps communities reduce reliance on fossil fuels while unlocking economic opportunities, enhancing credibility, and attracting international tourists who are willing to pay more for eco-friendly services.

Benefits of Renewable Energy in Community-Based Tourism

Applying renewable energy to CBT projects offers several tangible benefits. Solar and wind power significantly reduce operating costs, especially in areas without stable grid access. According to Constant Energy (2023), a small solar system installed at a homestay in Southeast Asia can save up to 70% in electricity costs, with a return on investment in about five years due to falling technology costs. Renewable energy also cuts carbon emissions, helping communities meet sustainability goals and align with international initiatives like the ASEAN Energy Transition Partnership.

Additionally, renewable energy projects create local jobs—from installing and maintaining systems to guiding eco-related tours. These projects not only improve incomes but also raise community awareness about environmental protection. Communities using renewable energy attract environmentally conscious travelers, thereby increasing revenue and reinforcing their sustainable tourism brand. In Southeast Asia, abundant sunshine and strong coastal winds make solar and wind energy ideal solutions for supporting CBT.

Suitable Types of Renewable Energy

Solar power is the most common renewable energy source for CBT projects in Southeast Asia due to its feasibility and declining costs. Homestays, restaurants, and community centers can install photovoltaic panels on rooftops or the ground to power lighting, fans, and basic appliances. In the region's tropical climate, solar energy can meet up to 80% of a small tourism facility’s needs, according to Constant Energy (2023). Excess energy can be stored in lithium-ion batteries or sold back to the grid through programs like those in Vietnam, creating additional income for communities.

While less common, wind energy suits coastal or island areas with strong wind conditions—such as Ben Tre (Vietnam) or Koh Rong (Cambodia). Small wind turbines can power tourism facilities or be supplemented by purchasing clean energy from nearby wind farms. Vietnam, with an offshore wind potential of up to 86 GW, is emerging as a promising destination for such projects, according to CSIS (2024). Combining solar and wind power with energy storage systems ensures reliable electricity supply, especially during rainy seasons or at night.

How to Implement Renewable Energy Integration

To integrate renewable energy into CBT, communities must follow a structured approach. First, they should assess their energy needs to determine the appropriate system size—such as the number of solar panels or wind turbines required. Then, selecting suitable technologies based on geographical conditions is essential, with solar prioritized in sunny areas and wind in coastal regions.

Funding programs like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from Constant Energy and tax incentives from the governments of Vietnam and Thailand can lower initial investment costs. According to ehotelier (2023), these programs allow communities to pay based on energy generated rather than upfront installation costs. Finally, training local residents in system operation and maintenance is crucial to ensuring long-term efficiency.

Real-World Examples in Southeast Asia

Several CBT projects in Southeast Asia have successfully integrated renewable energy, serving as models of sustainable development:

• Vietnam: Net Zero Tours in Ben Tre uses solar power to supply energy to homestays, restaurants, and river tours. This project has cut carbon emissions by 60% compared to diesel-powered tours and created over 50 local jobs in tourism guiding and system maintenance, according to the Ben Tre Department of Tourism (2024). Homestays also use filtered rainwater and organic local food to enhance sustainability, attracting international travelers.

• Laos: A CBT project in Luang Prabang has implemented solar energy for homestays and cultural centers, powering lighting and traditional handicraft workshops. According to The Guardian (2024), the project not only reduced operating costs but also supported cultural preservation through eco-tours, with over 30% of revenue from international visitors. Solar systems were funded by NGOs, easing the financial burden on the community.

• Cambodia: The floating village of Kompong Khleang on Tonle Sap Lake uses solar power to run floating restaurants and boat tours. Supported by international organizations, the project has cut fuel costs by 50% and improved living conditions for over 100 households, according to The Honeycombers (2024). Tourists learn about the lake’s ecosystem and how renewable energy supports the local community.

• Indonesia: In the Wakatobi community village on Sulawesi Island, both solar panels and small wind turbines provide energy for homestays and dive centers. The project reduces emissions and creates jobs in diving tours and coral reef conservation, according to DirectAsia (2024). Wakatobi also holds renewable energy workshops for tourists, increasing environmental awareness.

• Philippines: A CBT village in Palawan uses solar energy to power homestays and mangrove exploration tours. Supported by the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the project has cut tourism-related emissions by 70% and created jobs for over 40 locals, according to The Honeycombers (2024). Tours also include marine ecology education, appealing to eco-conscious travelers.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the many benefits, CBT projects in Southeast Asia face several challenges. High upfront costs for solar panels or small wind turbines can be a major barrier for resource-limited communities. However, funding mechanisms like PPAs and NGO support can ease the financial load.

Geographic dependencies, such as sunlight or wind availability, necessitate energy storage solutions—such as high-density lithium-ion batteries—to ensure reliable supply. According to Solar Energy (2024), advancements in storage technology are improving the efficiency of solar and wind energy usage. Additionally, skill gaps in system operation and maintenance can be addressed through local training and partnerships with technology providers.

Future Outlook

Integrating renewable energy into CBT has strong potential due to Southeast Asia’s fast-growing renewable energy sector. According to Carbon Brief (2024), wind and solar capacity in the region grew by 20% in 2023 to 28 GW and is expected to expand by another 23 GW in the next two years. Vietnam leads with 19 GW of active capacity and an offshore wind potential of 86 GW, while Indonesia has a solar potential of 2,900 GW, according to Constant Energy (2023).

Supportive policies—such as import tax exemptions for renewable equipment in Vietnam and Thailand—and regional initiatives like the ASEAN Energy Transition Partnership are creating favorable conditions for CBT projects. The green tourism trend, with 97% of Vietnamese travelers preferring sustainable experiences (Booking.com, 2023), also encourages communities to invest in renewable energy to attract international visitors.

Conclusion

Integrating renewable energy—especially solar and wind power—into community-based tourism projects in Southeast Asia not only reduces carbon emissions and operating costs but also brings economic and social benefits, from job creation to raising environmental awareness. Projects such as Net Zero Tours in Ben Tre (Vietnam), Luang Prabang (Laos), Kompong Khleang (Cambodia), Wakatobi (Indonesia), and Palawan (Philippines) demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this model.

Despite challenges such as upfront investment and geographic limitations, government support, international funding, and technological innovation are opening new pathways for sustainable CBT. This is not just a trend but a vital requirement for Southeast Asia to develop resilient, climate-conscious tourism in the years to come.