7 Key Themes to Deliver Asia’s Energy Transition at Energy Asia 2025
As we approach the Energy Asia 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur from 16-18 June, the theme ‘Delivering Asia’s Energy Transition’ captures the urgent need for concerted action across the continent.
Since the inaugural Energy Asia in 2023, the region has not only strengthened its climate action commitments but also maintained a robust focus on energy security. At COP28, Asian leaders united to advocate for deeper decarbonisation of the oil and gas sectors, accelerated renewable energy uptake, and enhanced climate financing and ecosystem preservation.
With rising urgency and renewed solidarity, it is time for Asian countries and companies to accelerate this transformation, navigating the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead to Energy Asia 2025, these pivotal conversations will be defined by seven key themes which reflect the pillars of a fair and sustainable future Asian energy landscape.
Theme 1: Economics, Policy, and Geopolitics
2025 is a critical year for energy transition, with the global energy system at a crossroads and the window to reduce emissions and maintain 1.5 degrees above preindustrial levels rapidly closing.
The geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex, with major global shifts in energy priorities. Regional tensions are impacting multilateral agreements and pushing nations towards prioritising local and regional supply chain solutions. In 2025, new governments and policymakers are set to implement significant changes to energy, climate, and trade policy, with a focus on energy security and fostering domestic industries.
At the same time, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are raising risks and highlighting growing worldwide divisions. Companies face increasing challenges in navigating this complex geopolitical terrain and preparing for new challenges.
This theme will delve into how Asia’s policymakers can leverage strategic policies to stabilise energy markets and foster economic growth while aligning with the region’s climate goals. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of regional collaboration to harmonise transition efforts and strengthen resilience.
Theme 2: Future of Energy Markets and Company Strategies
The energy landscape is shifting, with the future of global oil more uncertain due to a reduction in Chinese demand and rebalancing of supply in the western hemisphere.
At the same time, Asian energy markets are evolving rapidly under the pressures of demographic growth and escalating energy demands. The United Nations (UN) estimates that Asia Pacific’s urban population will expand from 2.3 billion to 3.5 billion people by 2050. We need to build the energy framework to meet this need today.
This theme will explore the intricate balance required for energy companies to meet immediate energy needs while preparing for future growth and sustainability challenges. Companies must analyse the costs and opportunities and adjust to volatile government policies and the requirements of investors. Discussions will focus on the transformation of corporate strategies, innovation, and the necessity of navigating a shifting geopolitical and environmental landscape.
Theme 3: Power Markets in Transition
The electric power sector is at the forefront of the global energy transition, with wind and solar technologies commercially viable and now deploying at scale in efforts to meet growing demand. This comes at a time of power-hungry new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are putting new pressures on electricity supply.
In Asia, the demand for power is set to increase dramatically, fuelled by urbanisation, economic expansion and electrification. Asia is expected to account for half of total electricity demand globally as of 2025, up from just a quarter at the turn of the century.
This theme addresses the challenges of decarbonising the power sector while ensuring equitable energy access across the region. It will look at how different countries can adapt their energy strategies based on their unique resources and developmental needs, highlighting initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid for regional energy cooperation.
Theme 4: Technology, Innovation, and Circularity
With the swift advancement of next-generation climate technology, this theme focuses on the transformative potential of AI and circular economy practices within the energy sector.
Understanding successful models of innovation will be essential for advancing technology deployment, scaling innovations and fostering collaboration across private and public institutions. Company programs, research initiatives and start-ups all have important roles in technological advances.
The discussion will explore how we foster innovation, ensure the right funding and commercial scalability, and the critical role of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation and sustainability.
Theme 5: Capital Markets
Financing the energy transition requires a deep transformation of the current capital allocation frameworks to support sustainable energy projects effectively. Managing the current energy system while fostering new low-carbon technologies and markets will require the mobilisation of significant public and private capital, in the face of policy risks, trade tensions and geopolitical disruptions.
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.
This theme will explore how clearer policies and regulatory frameworks are necessary to mobilise finance to deploy capital in projects that bend the emission curve. It will also look into the necessary reforms in Asia’s financial systems to attract and manage public and private investments that can drive significant emission reductions and support the adoption of clean technologies.
Theme 6: Climate and Sustainability
COP28 marked a significant moment with major industry players committing to reducing emissions and enhancing measurement and monitoring practices. While compliance carbon markets are expanding, questions about their applicability in emerging economies and the potential convergence of voluntary and compliance carbon markets remain.
This theme will confront Asia’s acute vulnerability to climate change, emphasising the need for strategies that integrate economic growth with climate resilience. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that Asia’s emerging market and developing economies need investment of at least USD1.1 trillion annually to meet the region’s mitigation and adaptation needs.
This theme will explore policy development, regional cooperation, and the mobilisation of investments in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts to protect the region’s densely populated and economically critical areas.
Theme 7: Talent and Capabilities
Asia’s progress toward a sustainable energy future hinges on the successful development of a skilled workforce capable of driving the region’s energy transition. At the same time, as traditional energy systems evolve in line with low-carbon agendas, ensuring a just and equitable transition for the region’s incumbent workforce becomes increasingly paramount. The rise of AI technologies is reshaping every facet of organisations, from talent management and skills development to operational strategies and customer engagement.
Addressing the human aspect of the energy transition, this theme will examine the need for significant investment in human capital. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the energy transition will create 14 million new jobs related to clean energy technologies and require around 5 million workers to shift from fossil fuel sectors. In addition,16 million workers will be required to shift to work in clean energy segments, necessitating additional skills and training.
This theme will address this seismic change in the talent landscape, discussing strategies for reskilling and upskilling the workforce, ensuring that the energy sector’s evolution towards low-carbon technologies includes fair and equitable opportunities for all workers involved.
Take the next step at Energy Asia
Energy Asia 2025 provides a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration and action, embodying the conference’s overarching theme to deliver on Asia’s energy transition. It is a call to all stakeholders to come together to forge pathways that are not only sustainable but also economically and socially equitable.
Be part of this transformative journey at Energy Asia 2025. Register now and help shape a sustainable and prosperous energy future for Asia.
