ALIGNING ENERGY AND CLIMATE POLICIES DRIVES ASEAN’S PROGRESS TOWARD ENERGY TRANSITION

By Engku Shariful Azni Engku Ab Latif

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Addressing energy and climate policies together creates a powerful momentum for ASEAN as the region progresses towards energy transition, an expert said.

ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute visiting senior fellow Dr Christopher Len said the organisations within the region have moved from viewing energy and climate policies as separate streams to treating them as a mutually reinforcing agenda.

He said regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation, as well as national strategies, now align their targets and emphasise integrating clean energy into broader climate action plans.

Moving forward, he said, by implementing new technologies, growing new green economies, there will be a lot of opportunities for investments in clean energy and climate solutions.

“We need to have buy-in from the business owner, general population, external stakeholders and you need to be able to have a very coherent message when we talk about energy and climate in the region. 

"And the way to do that is to have greater coordination and harmonisation of your regulations to create a bigger market, to attract people to come and invest in the region," he said as one of the panelists during a parallel session entitled "Accelerating ASEAN’s Energy-Climate Nexus: Linking SDG 7 and SDG 13 for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition" at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) here today.

The panel also witnessed the launch of the ASEAN SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) Study, conducted by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), through the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project Phase II (ACCEPT II) in partnership with the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI).

The study reviews ASEAN’s progress in delivering SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 7 and demonstrates how climate action under SDG 13 can serve as a strategic enabler through policy integration, mobilisation of climate finance and resilience building.

Commenting on the report, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur deputy head mission Knut Øyvind Granli said the report offers timely insights into how both SDGs can strengthen one another, which not only accelerates decarbonisation but also promotes innovation, creates new jobs and enhances resilience.

He noted that Norway greatly values its role as ASEAN's sectoral dialogue partner and sees ASEAN as a key actor in advancing global climate action.

"Norway can share expertise and know-how with ASEAN from decades of experience in hydropower development, being a global frontrunner in carbon capture and storage.

"We aim to support ASEAN's transition toward a low-carbon economy while fostering innovation and sustainable growth for all, and stand ready to continue this partnership, ensuring that ASEAN's energy transition is not only fast and sustainable, but also inclusive for all," he said in his opening remarks.

-- BERNAMA