Malaysia Urges ASEAN Unity For Fair, Inclusive Energy Transition
GENERAL
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, has called on member states to step up regional cooperation to drive a fair, secure and inclusive energy transition, in line with climate goals and the region's growing energy demand.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the region's energy future must be grounded in unity, practical frameworks and mutual benefits.
'As Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia is deeply committed to promoting dialogue, building consensus and advancing regional frameworks that will power a cleaner, more secure and more inclusive energy future,' he said.
He said this in his keynote address at the Energy Transition Meeting in ASEAN: Fostering Regional Cooperation organised by MyDigital here today.
Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said ASEAN's energy demand has been growing faster than the global average, at three per cent annually, and is projected to rise by more than 60 per cent by 2040, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
"This growth, while reflective of our economic dynamism, presents us with a pressing dilemma: how do we continue powering our progress while safeguarding environmental sustainability and ensuring affordability for all?
'The answer lies in a managed, inclusive and well-coordinated energy transition, one that reflects the diversity of ASEAN while advancing a common vision,' he said.
He highlighted ASEAN's progress under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II, noting that renewable energy now makes up 34 per cent of installed electricity capacity, though its share in total primary energy supply remains at 16 per cent.
'Vietnam has rapidly expanded its solar capacity by more than 20GW since 2019; Indonesia is anchoring a Just Energy Transition Partnership to transition to cleaner energy sources with at least USD20 billion of support; (and) Thailand has adopted a Bio-Circular-Green Economy model to align sustainability with productivity,' he said.
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