Capital Markets at Energy Asia 2025
Financing the energy transition will require a deep transformation of current capital allocation frameworks to effectively support a sustainable energy ecosystem.
S&P Global Commodity Insights estimates there will be as much as USD53 trillion in energy investment opportunities globally by 2050 across clean energy technologies, power and transmission under a net-zero scenario, with a significant USD25 trillion focused on non-OECD nations of the Asia Pacific.
These significant energy transition investment opportunities also frame a remarkable challenge, and one which will require deep collaboration across financiers, investors and energy players to deliver in Asia and beyond.
Energy Asia 2025 will dive into this complex discussion through the theme Capital Markets, which will explore what Asia’s financial systems need to attract and manage public and private investments that can drive significant emission reductions, and support the adoption of clean technologies.
Financing the Future of Energy
Finance serves as the cornerstone of energy transition, crucial for evolving from current systems to new low-carbon technologies and markets.
Investment is already ramping up to meet this need, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) assessing that global energy investment exceeded USD3 trillion for the first time in 2024. Two thirds of that groundbreaking investment (USD2 trillion) was directed to clean energy technologies and infrastructure.
The need for deeper investment to finance renewable energy projects and low-carbon energy solutions is clear, particularly in the accelerating demand space of the Asia Pacific. S&P Global projects that more than half of the growth in global power demand for the next two decades will emerge from the Asia Pacific region.
It is not just shifting power demand which requires investment, but adapting to the increasing impacts of climate change. The International Monetary Fund estimates that Asia’s emerging market and developing economies need an investment of at least USD1.1 trillion annually to meet the region’s mitigation and adaptation needs.
Meeting these parallel goals will demand substantial mobilisation of both public and private capital amidst challenges such as policy risks, trade tensions, and geopolitical disruptions.
Capital markets must also address the hurdle of mixed investor behaviour, sending uncertain signals to companies about transitioning to lower emissions while still delivering the returns their stakeholders demand. This complexity requires strategic decisions that balance environmental objectives with financial viability.
Uncertainty Underpins the Investment Environment
In emerging markets, particularly in Asia, financing faces additional obstacles. High capital costs, driven by less-than-optimal risk-return dynamics, deter investment.
Capital availability is further restricted by regulatory uncertainties and diverse risk levels, slowing investment pace and capital flow into the region. Clear policies and regulatory frameworks are vital for mobilising finance and directing it into projects that significantly lower emissions, regardless of the fuel type involved.
It is essential to manage the delicate balance of financing in the energy sector by attracting investment to both existing technologies that offer immediate emission reductions and to the development of innovative clean technologies promising a greener future. Financing green energy projects alongside other transformative climate technology is key to achieving a net-zero future for Asia.
Restricting capital to projects solely focused on traditional fuel sources could inadvertently delay vital near-term emission reductions. Therefore, it is crucial to develop transitionary policies that ensure a steady flow of capital to all viable projects contributing to decarbonisation goals.
Advancing a sustainable future requires a strong financial foundation – one that is capable of supporting both existing systems and emerging technologies. In Asia, finance plays a critical role in enabling an energy transition that balances long-term sustainability with immediate action.
Energy Asia 2025, taking place from 16–18 June at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, will bring together finance experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore strategies for financing the energy transition in ways that foster both economic and environmental resilience.