As the world moves toward sustainable energy, Southeast Asia faces unique challenges. Balancing rapid industrial growth with carbon neutrality takes more than technology; it needs a vision that blends finance and practical engineering. Ross Coull, Founder and CEO of Skye Renewables, is leading this transition. This profile looks at his efforts to decarbonize the corporate sector in some of the region’s fastest-growing markets.
Across Southeast Asia’s industrial centers, from factories in Malaysia to retail spaces in the Philippines, a quiet change is happening on rooftops. While big solar farms get most of the attention, the real progress is happening building by building. Led by Ross Coull, Skye Renewables is turning unused roof space into sources of clean energy. The company shows that moving toward net-zero is not only good for the environment but also makes business sense.
The Corporate Decarbonization Gap
For years, Commercial and Industrial (C&I) businesses in Southeast Asia have relied on national grids powered by fossil fuels. As global supply chains push for higher Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, these companies face a challenge. They must cut their carbon emissions but often do not have the large upfront funds needed to build renewable energy systems.
The region’s energy market is also fragmented. Each country, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, has its own rules, making it hard for businesses to go green. Many companies are put off by the technical challenges, the high upfront costs, and the ongoing maintenance required to keep solar systems operational. This “decarbonization gap” risked slowing economic growth as the world focuses more on sustainability.
The Visionary Behind Skye
Ross Coull is a British executive living in Singapore with a strong background in private equity, banking, and sustainable finance. Before starting Skye Renewables in 2021, he built his career in the energy and finance industries. He held key roles at Standard Chartered Bank and Sembcorp Industries, where he learned about industrial operations and the finances behind big infrastructure projects.
Throughout his career, Coull has shown how investment can create social and environmental change. Working with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance group, he saw the real impact of ESG-focused investments. With his financial skills and passion for clean energy, Coull recognized a chance to connect global investors with the urgent need for local renewable energy in Southeast Asia.
Beyond “Nice-to-Have.”
For Coull, switching to renewable energy was never just a trend or a “nice-to-have” project. He saw early that it was a necessary change for the global economy. He believes the private sector plays a key role in solving the climate crisis.
He started Skye Renewables to make a “meaningful impact.” His goal was to build a company that not only gave advice on sustainability but also provided the equipment and funding to make real change. By focusing on the C&I sector, Coull wanted to help the industries that power the region grow without increasing carbon emissions.
The Energy-as-a-Service Model
Skye Renewables started in 2021 in Singapore as an “Energy-as-a-Service” (EaaS) provider. The business model is simple for clients: Skye handles the development, financing, installation, and operation of solar systems, usually on industrial rooftops, without any upfront cost to the business owner.
Clients do not buy the solar panels. Instead, they sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and pay for the electricity the panels produce, often at a lower rate than the national grid. This approach removes the financial barrier, letting companies in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and retail cut costs and reduce carbon emissions right away. To support this growth, Coull gained support from major international partners like Idemitsu Kosan and British International Investment (BII).
Scaling Across Borders
Launching a regional energy company during the tail end of a global pandemic was no small feat. Coull had to navigate disrupted supply chains and the logistical nightmare of cross-border operations. Despite these hurdles, Skye Renewables experienced rapid growth. In just a few years, the company expanded its footprint from Singapore into Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
By 2024 and 2025, Skye Renewables was signing big deals, such as a 12MWp solar PPA with ILECO II in the Philippines, which helped the company grow in the region. In mid-2024, Skye secured a USD 15 million funding facility from responsAbility Investments AG, a Swiss impact manager. This funding was set aside to speed up building renewable energy projects, aiming for several hundred megawatts of capacity.
A Holistic Approach
Coull’s vision for Skye Renewables is about more than just installing solar panels. He supports a complete energy transition that includes advanced battery storage, energy-efficiency analytics, and off-site renewable solutions. With his leadership, Skye has become a trusted partner that understands the technical details of different markets.
From handling net-metering rules in Malaysia to managing complex permits in the Philippines, Coull’s team offers the local know-how that global companies need to make their supply chains greener. He imagines a future where every industrial roof helps build a decentralized and resilient power grid.
Governance and Integrity
Ross Coull focuses on transparency and strong corporate governance. In an industry often criticized for “greenwashing,” he has made sure that compliance and ethics are central to the company. Skye Renewables has clear public policies on anti-bribery, environmental and social governance, and health and safety.
He has built a diverse executive team, including COO Alan Khor and Chief of Staff Fabiolla Netto, and values practical expertise in every main market. By giving local leaders like Gary Espino in the Philippines and Wally Nguyen in Vietnam real authority, Coull keeps the company flexible and in touch with local business and government needs.
The Road to 300 MW and Beyond
As of 2026, Skye Renewables has a promising future. With new funding from responsAbility and ongoing support from BII and Idemitsu Kosan, the company expects to offset about 270,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
The goal is simple: to become Southeast Asia’s top C&I renewable energy platform. For Ross Coull, this journey is just beginning. As technology advances, Skye is ready to add new innovations to its services. The company shows what can happen when financial skill meets real commitment to the planet. With Coull’s leadership, Skye Renewables is leading the energy transition.
