ASEAN energy professionals call for pragmatic approach to transition driven by regional cooperation

11^th annual Energy Barometer, the Energy Institute’s annual survey of energy professionals, focusses on ASEAN region for the first time

Barometer highlights that ASEAN has the ambition, ideas and technologies to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future – but political clarity and regional cooperation will determine whether it succeeds

The Energy Barometer 2025 offers fresh insights from energy professionals across the ASEAN region, revealing optimism for clean energy growth alongside a pragmatic recognition of fossil fuels’ enduring role.

Respondents see the energy transition not as an abrupt replacement of hydrocarbons, but as a balanced evolution - where fossil fuels adapt through efficiency improvements, cleaner technologies, and carbon capture, while clean energy, storage solutions, and interregional trade scale up to meet rising demand.

Report highlights include:

• Fossil fuel reliance persists: Despite growing diversification, ASEAN’s energy mix remains anchored in coal, oil, and gas due to affordability and security concerns. The transition continues to be gradual and uneven, and professionals believe the sector should adapt by diversifying into clean-energy fuels, improving efficiency, and adopting emission-reduction technologies such as CCUS.
• Balancing priorities: Security, affordability, and sustainability are increasingly interlinked. Rising energy costs and climate risks underscore the need for both short-term resilience and long-term system upgrades. At the same time, doubts remain about whether emissions targets will be met.
• Regional cooperation is critical: Shared infrastructure and harmonised regulation are seen as vital for energy security and cost stability. However, sovereignty concerns, financial barriers, and lack of regulatory alignment remain significant hurdles.
• Financing and regulatory barriers: High upfront costs, limited affordable financing, and policy uncertainty are hindering clean energy adoption.  Despite this, there is strong support for investment in energy efficiency and demand management, new technologies like solar, storage and CCUS, modernisation of fossil fuel power plants, and low-carbon transport.
• Technical solutions must scale: Energy storage, electricity grid modernisation, decentralised systems, and regional interconnectivity are key to meeting ASEAN’s 2030 renewable electricity target. Nuclear remains under consideration, with safety and governance as prerequisites.
• Inclusive transition: Ensuring participation from low-income, remote, and digitally excluded communities is essential. Building technical and policy skills will be critical for a resilient and equitable energy future.

Dr Nick Wayth CEng FEI, Chief Executive of the Energy Institute, commented:

“ASEAN is experiencing rapid economic growth, driving a surge in energy demand and making it one of the most pivotal regions for the global energy transition. The 2025 Energy Barometer shows that energy professionals in the region are optimistic about the expansion of clean energy, while remaining realistic about the continuing role of fossil fuels.

“People must be at the heart of the energy transition. Across Asia, the Energy Institute is helping to build the technical, leadership and safety skills needed for a workforce that is ready for tomorrow’s challenges. The Barometer and its key findings are an essential read as we support a transition that is not only low carbon, but inclusive and sustainable.”

Ir. Dr. Lim Eu Shawn, CEng MEI - Chief Business & Solutions Officer, Aerodyne Group and EI Malaysia Chairman, acknowledged the importance in engaging the workforce:

“This report reinforces a key lesson that people matter just as much as technology in the energy transition. Ensuring that all communities, including those remote or digitally excluded, have access to opportunities and develop relevant skills is crucial. 

“A truly successful energy system is one that empowers people, sparks innovation, values geographical context and leaves no one behind.”

Prof. Ts. Dr. Shahrina Md Nordin, ACM FASc FEI, Director, Institute of Smart and Sustainable Living, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), said:

“Across Southeast Asia’s energy landscape, we see encouraging progress with a diverse range of solutions emerging, from solar and energy efficiency to CCUS, along with efforts to explore the potential of nuclear.

“Yet the Barometer reminds us that meaningful progress requires more than technology. It calls for leadership with purpose that addresses financial and regulatory barriers, fosters collaboration, and builds an enabling ecosystem for innovation and long-term investment. With the right conditions in place, the region can progress steadily toward a resilient, low-carbon future.”

The survey and report were developed by the Energy Institute in partnership with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia, and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), Indonesia, with support from the Malaysian Ministry of Economy and S&P Global Energy.

Around 200 professionals from across ASEAN’s energy sector contributed to the project this year. They are drawn from the Energy Institute’s Fellowship and professional membership, through to its young professional and student community, and from across sectors - from oil and gas to renewables, energy and carbon management, hydrogen, waste-to-energy and carbon capture and storage. Participants engaged with the research team anonymously and independent of their employers.

Notes for editors

1. For media enquiries, please contact Ruaraidh Swainson, EI Communications Officer 07702 583 918, [email protected]
2. The Energy Barometer is the EI’s long-running, annual research report based on the views and perspectives of its members and other experts in energy. An embargoed version of Energy Barometer 2025: Shaping ASEAN Energy - Legacy, Integration, Innovation, is available here, not for publication before 0001 GMT on 3 December: https://www.energyinst.org/barometer/2025
3. Register free here to attend the launch of Energy Barometer 2025: EI Live free webinar: Energy Barometer 2025: ASEAN Energy Insights | Energy Institute
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