by Aldilla Noor Rakhiemah, Indira Pradnyaswari and Muhammad Ilham Rizaldi

As the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) approaches, ASEAN Member States (AMS) are once again called upon to demonstrate a united front in the global effort to combat climate change. As a region that is both vulnerable to climate impacts and uniquely positioned to showcase a sustainable, low-carbon transition, ASEAN’s participation in COP29 presents opportunities to highlight its progress and solidify its path toward ambitious climate action.

While ASEAN’s diversity in economic development levels and energy needs presents challenges, it also offers a platform to illustrate how collaborative strategies can bridge these differences. COP29 should be seen as an opportunity for ASEAN to champion a model of sustainable development that prioritises both the unique socioeconomic needs of its people and the urgent imperatives of climate mitigation. To achieve this, ASEAN’s approach to COP29 should be rooted in three key areas: leveraging regional cooperation, securing financing for transition, and advancing low-carbon energy adoption and decarbonisation strategies.

Leveraging Regional Cooperation for a Stronger ASEAN Climate Position

ASEAN has a demonstrated history of collaboration through frameworks such as the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. In the energy sector, the region has ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) that serves as a key framework for regional cooperation. This blueprint document aims to foster regional synergy in energy policy and cooperation, by promoting energy efficiency, scaling up renewables, and advancing interconnectivity. However, COP29 provides an avenue to amplify this cooperation further by reinforcing unified targets and action plans. By developing and presenting a consolidated climate strategy that reflects the diversity and collective commitment of ASEAN, the region can reinforce its voice in negotiations and advocate for priorities specific to developing economies in Southeast Asia.

Advancing Integrated Energy Strategies for a Resilient ASEAN

Given the central role of the energy sector in ASEAN’s emissions profile, energy strategies will be essential to the region’s climate agenda at COP29. To accelerate a low-carbon transition, ASEAN should focus on the following energy strategies:

1. Grid Integration and Interconnectivity: Enhanced energy interconnection could optimise renewable energy distribution across borders, ensuring stable and efficient energy supply while reducing emissions. Expanding the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is a promising step toward integrating renewable energy, as exemplified by projects like the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP). This initiative demonstrates how a connected grid can provide energy security, affordability, and a cleaner energy mix.
2. Natural Gas as a Transitional Fuel: Natural gas, already a significant part of ASEAN’s energy mix, can act as a bridge fuel in the energy transition. While not entirely emissions-free, natural gas produces fewer emissions than coal and can help maintain energy security as ASEAN scales up renewables. At COP29, ASEAN could discuss the role of natural gas and explore partnerships to access cleaner and more efficient gas technologies while avoiding over-reliance that may delay renewable adoption.
3. Promoting Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency presents a cost-effective way to reduce emissions and manage energy demand. ASEAN could focus on efficiency improvements across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, with support from APAEC’s energy efficiency targets. The promotion of green building standards, efficient public transport systems, and industrial upgrades will be key for both reducing emissions and optimising resource use.
4. Investing in Renewable Energy Innovation: While ASEAN has committed to sourcing 23% of its primary energy from renewables by 2025, achieving this target will require enhanced support for renewable technologies. COP29 provides a platform for ASEAN to advocate for global partnerships that enable technology transfer, financing, and capacity-building for renewables, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

By aligning these energy strategies with climate goals, ASEAN can strengthen its position as a region committed to sustainable, low-carbon development. These efforts not only reduce emissions but also foster energy security, affordability, and resilience against climate-induced energy disruptions.

A critical part of ASEAN’s cooperative efforts should include knowledge sharing and technical assistance. Countries that have made strides in climate tech and policy frameworks, can offer models for other AMS, creating a regional support network. Additionally, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT) could play pivotal roles in facilitating and coordinating these efforts.

Securing Financing for a Just Energy Transition

Financing remains one of the foremost barriers to implementing large-scale renewable and sustainable energy initiatives in ASEAN. Many AMS rely on fossil fuels due to both economic and infrastructural challenges, and transitioning to renewable energy sources requires significant financial investments.

ASEAN should collectively call for mechanisms that will deliver accessible, low-cost climate finance to developing countries. These mechanisms could include dedicated climate funds, debt relief tied to climate action, and investment incentives for clean technology adoption. ASEAN could also leverage COP29 to urge global leaders to operationalise and increase contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, as was agreed upon at COP27. This would provide AMS, especially the most climate-vulnerable ones like the Philippines and Vietnam, with much-needed resources to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate-related events.

Furthermore, the establishment of public-private partnerships (PPP) across ASEAN could attract investment and reduce the financial risks associated with renewable energy projects. COP29 presents an opportunity for ASEAN to introduce new financial frameworks that would incentivise private sector involvement in green projects, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable urban infrastructure. By creating a favorable policy environment for green financing, ASEAN can facilitate a just energy transition that meets both regional and global climate goals.

Advancing Low-Carbon Energy and Decarbonisation Strategies

ASEAN has already set an ambitious target to secure 23% of its primary energy from renewable sources by 2025 under the APAEC. While some AMS are on track, others face more pronounced barriers to meeting this target, such as limited access to renewable energy technologies or dependence on coal. COP29 should be a platform for ASEAN to show its commitment to accelerating renewable energy deployment and to call for more equitable access to clean technology.

One essential step forward would be to promote the integration of ASEAN’s power grid, which could enhance energy security and optimise the use of renewable resources across borders. By facilitating cross-border energy trade, ASEAN could make better use of solar, wind, and hydro resources in areas that are more suitable for specific renewable energy sources. The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP) is a promising example of this approach, demonstrating how an interconnected grid can distribute clean energy efficiently across borders. ASEAN could present such initiatives at COP29 as a scalable model for other regions seeking collaborative energy solutions.

Additionally, AMS should champion nature-based solutions and sustainable land-use practices. Indonesia and Malaysia, for example, are rich in forested areas that act as carbon sinks, and both countries are actively working to balance forest conservation with economic development. At COP29, ASEAN could advocate for stronger financial mechanisms to support conservation efforts and prevent deforestation, as these efforts are critical for both biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

Finally, ASEAN should emphasise the role of innovation in decarbonisation. Emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), green hydrogen, and digital solutions for energy efficiency hold promise for the region’s low-carbon ambitions. Singapore’s ongoing investments in hydrogen infrastructure, for example, showcase the potential of these technologies in helping hard-to-abate sectors transition to cleaner alternatives. ASEAN’s unified voice at COP29 should advocate for international partnerships that facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing in these fields.

Strengthening ASEAN’s Role as a Climate Leader

Beyond policy and financing, COP29 should be an occasion for ASEAN to elevate its role as a regional climate leader and advocate for a more inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to climate action. This approach includes active engagement with local communities, indigenous groups, youth, and civil society organisations, who are essential allies in the climate agenda. By prioritising these perspectives, ASEAN can ensure that its climate actions are socially inclusive and rooted in the principles of climate justice.

Moreover, ASEAN’s alignment with other climate-vulnerable regions, such as the Pacific Island nations, could amplify its advocacy for more comprehensive global commitments on climate resilience. Joint initiatives, such as regional resilience frameworks or climate adaptation networks, could strengthen ASEAN’s negotiating power and underscore the critical need for climate adaptation resources. COP29 offers a venue for ASEAN to foster such partnerships, thereby reinforcing the collective strength of regions facing similar climate threats.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for ASEAN at COP29

As AMS prepare for COP29, the path forward involves a steadfast commitment to advancing both national and regional climate and energy agendas. ASEAN’s response to the climate crisis will require bold action, significant financial commitments, and enhanced cooperation. By leveraging COP29 as a platform to advocate for increased support, technological exchange, and policy alignment, ASEAN can reinforce its commitment to a sustainable, low-carbon future that respects both its economic needs and environmental responsibilities.

The success of ASEAN’s climate agenda at COP29 will ultimately depend on its ability to harmonise national priorities with regional ambitions, driving progress through cooperation, financial innovation, and inclusive action. By seizing this opportunity, ASEAN can establish itself not only as a climate leader for the Southeast Asian region but also as a vital voice in the global movement for a sustainable and resilient future.