New report offers roadmap for stronger China–Asia partnerships on green independent power projects

A new report released by the Griffith Asia Institute offers practical guidance for accelerating Asia’s shift to clean energy by improving collaboration between Chinese Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and their Asian partners.

The report, “Green Independent Power Producers in Asia: A Practical Guide for Negotiations and Agreements between Chinese and International Partners,” provides a roadmap to overcoming long-standing barriers to scaling renewable energy projects in the region.

Co-authored by Christoph Nedopil, Fabby Tumiwa, Mustafa Sayed, Muhammad Aulia Anis, Rika Isnarti, and Umar Farooq, the report identifies key strategies for delivering bankable, socially responsible, and technically sound solar, wind, and hydro power projects. It focuses particularly on practical steps across the full lifecycle of IPP development—from tenders and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to construction and long-term operations.

“Independent Power Producers are absolutely essential to meeting Asia’s energy and climate goals, but the way we develop, finance and manage these projects needs to improve—especially in collaboration with Chinese developers. This guide aims to reduce costly misunderstandings and help both sponsors and off-takers build trust and deliver reliable, clean power,” said Dr. Christoph Nedopil, one of the lead authors and director of the Asia Institute at Griffith University.

The report highlights that while electricity generation across emerging Asian economies has nearly quadrupled since 2000, much of that growth has come from coal. Renewable energy development still lags behind national targets—particularly due to regulatory risks, payment delays, grid constraints, and environmental and social opposition.

Drawing on interviews with more than 40 experts across 10 countries, the guide offers tailored advice for Chinese IPP sponsors to better navigate local legal frameworks, labor issues, and foreign exchange risk. For Asian utilities and policymakers, it recommends improved transparency in tenders, more bankable PPAs, and faster permitting and grid readiness.

With China playing an increasingly central role in financing and delivering large-scale infrastructure in Asia, the report urges stronger partnerships based on mutual understanding, fair risk-sharing, and local engagement.

“This isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s about creating trust and long-term value in one of the world’s most important energy markets. Getting it right could unlock billions in clean energy investment and avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” said Nedopil.

The report is available online and intended for policymakers, utilities, investors, and IPP developers working to deliver Asia’s energy transition.