The UK Mission to ASEAN has officially launched the Clean and Just Energy Transition Pillar of the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund (GTF) during the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF). Officiated by UK Ambassador to ASEAN Helen Fazey and Yanuar Fajari, Head of the Energy and Minerals Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, the initiative marks a major milestone in the UK’s strategic climate and energy partnership with ASEAN. The Pillar aims to support ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste in advancing a sustainable and inclusive energy transition through targeted interventions in clean power systems, green grids, and industrial decarbonisation.
ASEAN, now the world’s fourth-largest energy consumer, faces rapidly rising energy demand projected to increase by up to 41% by 2030. Meeting this demand is estimated to require at least $200 billion in annual energy investments, driven by urbanisation and population growth. The Clean and Just Energy Transition Pillar of the GTF seeks to mitigate climate risks, reduce emissions, and safeguard energy security and affordability across the region.
The launch event highlighted the UK’s commitment to bringing investment and expertise to ASEAN’s energy transition. Ambassador Helen Fazey emphasized that a just energy transition is central to ASEAN’s sustainable future, and that the partnership will foster inclusive, climate-resilient growth through green grids, clean manufacturing, and public-private collaboration. The ASEAN-UK GTF project booklet was unveiled at the event, outlining the program’s strategic contributions, including early-stage diagnostics, pilot projects, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).
The forum featured panels of regional and international energy experts and regulators, showcasing UK business and commercial expertise in energy interconnection and finance. Discussions focused on innovative business models for coal transition, the benefits of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), industrial decarbonisation opportunities, and the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in mobilizing investment for clean energy infrastructure.
A second discussion brought together representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and regional financial institutions to explore strategies for accelerating clean energy investments and strengthening public-private partnerships as a financing mechanism. The launch of the Pillar reinforces the UK and ASEAN’s shared commitment to sustainable growth, regional cooperation, and advancing the energy transition as the fifth anniversary of their Dialogue Partnership approaches in 2026.
