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.