Asia’s industry leaders to lead region’s net-zero transformation
Energy Asia 2025 forum aims to speed up collaboration on sustainable energy solutions, economic development and environmental responsibility
With about 60 per cent of the world’s population living in Asia, the global focus is firmly on the region’s efforts to reach net zero – where harmful greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by removing the same amount from the atmosphere – by 2050.
The region’s geographical size, economic power and technological capabilities mean its actions can play a pivotal role in driving the planet’s transition to using cleaner energies.
Currently, diverse initiatives for energy transition across the region include the use of solar power and major investment in hydrogen. But geopolitical issues and changes in government and trade policies are all hindering the clean energy sector’s growth.
However, the thought leadership and business advocacy forum Energy Asia by Petronas – the Malaysian energy company – aims to help the region develop its net-zero goal by inspiring feasible, collaborative and inclusive solutions to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy practices.
With the theme “Delivering Asia’s Energy Transition”, Energy Asia 2025 will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the Malaysian capital from June 16 to 18 to discuss how the region’s emerging and developing economies can fairly scale their sustainable clean energy practices.
How Asia is advancing its goals
Countries across Asia have already begun to introduce a range of climate change policies. Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), launched in 2023, involves 10 projects to help accelerate efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
It also recently updated the action plans that it submitted as part of the Paris Agreement – a landmark 2015 international treaty limiting global warming – while its comprehensive Climate Change Act is planned for this year.
China has greatly increased its number of wind and solar installations, as part of its ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2060. A 2024 report by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment shows the nation’s energy consumption from non-fossil sources rose to 17.9 per cent in 2023 – up from 10.2 per cent in 2013.
India is making big strides in embracing solar energy with the World Economic Forum reporting last year that it was the world’s fifth largest solar market and is on track to have this form of energy contributing to 30 per cent of its total power generation by 2040.
Japan, which aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, has focused on energy, including fuel cells, derived from hydrogen – which can be produced using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind – after adopting a national hydrogen strategy in 2017. It now leads global innovation in hydrogen use – accounting for almost a quarter of all global patent applications involving the energy between 2011 to 2020.
Insights can inspire solutions for greener world
While countries across Asia have projects in place for energy transition, the progress and success of the initiatives depend on various factors, including the need to carry out such plans without sacrificing domestic economic growth, amid challenges such as global financial instability and continuing geopolitical conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
To help provide insights into changes that are needed in future, Energy Asia convened 22 CEOs from government, energy, finance and professional services to take part in discussions by hosting a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue with the theme of “Powering Economic Prosperity Through Equitable Transition” last August.
The event examined the challenges facing Asia as it moves away from its reliance on using fossil fuels, and delved into the policies and investments needed for the transition to cleaner energy that will help to promote economic growth and prosperity across the region.
During the discussions, the participants agreed that liquefied natural gas, or LNG – an affordable and reliable alternative source of energy to fossil fuels – is a practical choice in the energy mix make-up, as Asia pushes attempts to reach net zero.
They also discussed the financial hurdles facing the private sector if they adopt other clean energy solutions, such as electricity grid development, renewable energy mixes and other alternatives such as hydrogen, because Southeast Asia’s green energy transition is being hampered by a significant drop in climate development financing.
The Asian Development Bank previously estimated that the region will need about US$210 billion in climate funding each year to meet its renewable energy transition needs. But the Australian think tank, the Lowy Institute, reported last year that between 2015 and 2022 there had been an average annual investment of only US$8.1 billion to the region.
The World Energy Investment 2024 report, published by the International Energy Agency, shows major imbalances in global clean energy investment between 2015 and last year, with the economies of emerging markets and developing nations outside China accounting for only about 15 per cent of worldwide green energy spending. It says that although most countries in Southeast Asia have ambitious long-term clean energy goals, investments are not yet on track.
There is a significant reluctance within the private sector to fund this sector because of the potential low returns and policy uncertainties. Possible solutions discussed during the event included blended financing, such as grants and low-interest loans, and credit-enhancing finance mechanisms, which can lower the risk when it comes to private capital flows for energy investments in Asia.
The participants also mentioned that a regional carbon market for selling and buying carbon credits has the potential to enhance the economic viability and appeal of clean energy projects, with the added benefit of strengthening collaboration across the region. If domestic and regional policies across Asia are able to align with one another, it will provide greater investment clarity for financiers and project developers.
These key insights from the talks provided an enlightening preview of the potential discussions during the Energy Asia 2025 conference.
Energy Asia 2025 will bring together global energy leaders
Energy Asia 2025 will feature more than 50 sessions, all curated under the seven key themes of Economics, Policy and Geopolitics; Future of Energy Markets and Company Strategies; Power Markets in Transition; Technology, Innovation and Circularity; Capital Markets; Climate and Sustainability; and Talent and Capabilities.
Other expected speakers include Andrea Della Mattea, president of Microsoft Asean, who will take part in a session titled “Roadmap to Readiness: Bridging the Skills Gap”, and Muqsit Ashraf, group chief executive for strategy at Accenture, who will feature in a Leadership Dialogue called “Company Strategies in a Dynamic World”. Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed, managing director and CEO of Mubadala Energy, will offer his insights during another Leadership Dialogue titled “Energy Champions of the Future”.
In addition, the event will feature the Energy Park, a hub for technology and innovation showcasing presentations from industry figures including technology experts, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and thought leaders.
Paving the way for a greener future
Asia’s role in global energy transition is becoming increasingly centralised, with governments, industries and investors aligning efforts to scale up cleaner, low-carbon solutions. From solar and hydrogen to emerging carbon markets, the region is shaping a new energy narrative grounded in innovation and pragmatism.
However, delivering on net-zero ambitions will require more than pledges. It demands coordinated policies, deeper private sector engagement and sustained investment across borders. Addressing financing gaps and strengthening collaboration remain critical to unlock Asia’s full potential.
Energy Asia 2025 offers a timely opportunity to not only turn insights into action, but also serve as a driving force in shaping regional frameworks that align economic growth with environmental responsibility. As leaders gather in Kuala Lumpur, the focus will be on translating regional ambition into global impact – forging a path towards a more resilient and sustainable energy future.