The UK Mission to ASEAN today launched the Clean and Just Energy
Transition Pillar of the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund (GTF), at
a high-level side event during the 25th ASEAN Energy Business
Forum (AEBF). This launch, officiated by the UK Ambassador to
ASEAN, Helen Fazey, and Yanuar Fajari, Head of the Energy and
Minerals Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, marks a major
milestone in the UK's strategic climate and energy partnership
with ASEAN.
ASEAN is now the world's fourth-largest energy consumer, with
energy demand projected to rise by up to 41% by 2030, based on
the 8th ASEAN
Energy Outlook. The region is expected to require at least
$200 billion in annual energy investments to meet its growing
energy needs, driven by a 15.2% annual rise in energy consumption
in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This growth is
attributed to rapid urbanisation and a rising population,
underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable energy transition
to mitigate climate risks and emissions.
As ASEAN advances its energy transition, driven by national
ambitions and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions while
safeguarding energy security and affordability, the Clean and
Just Energy Transition Pillar of the GTF offers targeted support
to ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. The Pillar focuses on
three key workstreams: clean power systems, green grids, and
industrial decarbonisation, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity
and regional collaboration.
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey said:
A just energy transition is central to ASEAN's sustainable
future, and the UK is proud to be a key partner for ASEAN on that
journey. Through the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, we are
bringing investment and expertise to support a clean and just
energy transition across the region — from green grids and clean
manufacturing to public-private partnerships. Together, we can
harness the potential of clean energy and drive inclusive,
climate-resilient growth across ASEAN region.
The event also saw the unveiling of the ASEAN-UK GTF project
booklet, which outlines the Programme's strategic contributions
to ASEAN's energy transformation, including early-stage
diagnostics, pilots, and capacity-building initiatives aligned
with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).
The event showcased UK business and commercial expertise in
energy interconnection and finance, discussing the opportunities
for energy, including: Rob Rome (Director of Commercial, Customer
& Regulation, National Grid), Rino Donosopoetro (CEO,
Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia and ASEAN Cluster Markets and
Board Director), Philip Napier-Moore (Energy Sector Leader, Mott
MacDonald), Dr Jhan Chan (Associate Principal, Southeast Asia
Energy Leader, Arup), Nadhilah Shani (Manager of Power and
Interconnection Department, ASEAN Centre for Energy), Natasha
Kyte (Trade and Economic Counsellor, UK Mission to ASEAN), and
regional energy regulator.
The panel explored innovative business models for coal
transition, the benefits of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), and
opportunities for industrial decarbonisation. It also highlighted
the role of public-private partnerships as key to mobilising
investment for clean energy infrastructure.
A second discussion, featuring representative from Malaysia,
Indonesia, Lao PDR, and regional financial institutions, focus on
accelerating investment in clean energy and strengthening
public-private partnerships as a key mechanism for financing the
energy transition.
As ASEAN and the UK approach the fifth anniversary of their
Dialogue Partnership in 2026, the launch of this Pillar reaffirms
a shared commitment to sustainable growth and strong regional
cooperation.
