How Japan and Thailand lay bare Asia's electrification challenge

Japan and Thailand, at opposite ends of Asia's electrification spectrum, highlight the shared and differing challenges for the region's varied economies as the climate and business case for tapping more electricity grows. (Nikkei Asia montage) Shift seen as key for climate and advanced sectors but only China is truly powering on TOKYO/BANGKOK -- Solar panels and wind turbines have become the most visible symbols of the shift from fossil fuels as the world strives to keep climate change in check. But cleaner electricity is only half the challenge.