Summary
The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for ASEAN’s energy cooperation, as the region begins implementing the APAEC 2026–2030 amid heightened global uncertainty. This period also signals the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) moving from strategic planning toward coordinated infrastructure development and operational action, building on bilateral electricity trade while laying the groundwork for deeper multilateral integration. At the same time, ASEAN’s energy transition must be carefully balanced with energy security concerns, as oil and gas production is constrained and import dependence rises amid ageing fields, geopolitical risks, and limited discoveries—making 2026 a critical year to accelerate methane reduction and advance options such as carbon capture and storage, while coal pathways and nuclear considerations continue to evolve.
This ASEAN Energy in 2026 is the latest edition of one of the flagship reports by ACE. Since 2022, the annual ASEAN Energy series analyses the key insights into Southeast Asia's energy landscape each year. This edition will explorte the following insights:
- Mapping ASEAN Energy Priorities 2025-2026
- Charting the Progress of Aspirational Energy Targets
- Tracking National Energy Policies
- Strengthening ASEAN Power Grid Planning and Implementation to Enhance Regional Energy Connectivity
- Navigating Global Oil & Gas Market Headwinds, Regional Energy Security, and Decarbonisation Imperatives
- Promoting a Responsible and Cleaner Coal Value Chain
- Increasing the Adoption of Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Scaling up Renewable Energy Deployment on Power System Transition, Energy Supply, and End-Use Sectors
- Accelerating a Just and Inclusive Low-Carbon Energy Transition Through Regional Policy and Planning
- Positioning Civilian Nuclear Energy as a Low-Carbon Fuel Option