The 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit was a momentous occasion in the longstanding relationship between ASEAN and Australia, commemorating the 50^th anniversary of their formal ties. Held in Melbourne, Australia, from 4-6 March 2024, this summit brought together leaders from both regions to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration. Among the highlights of the event was the Climate and Clean Energy Transition Forum, where experts convened to discuss pivotal strategies for fostering a sustainable future.

Dr Nuki Agya Utama, the Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), stood as a distinguished speaker at Panel Session 2: Clean energy technology, services, and skills to drive the transition at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit’s Climate and Clean Energy Transition Forum. Moderated by Professor Frank Jotzo, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Energy at the Australian National University, the panel also featured esteemed voices from both Australia and ASEAN, including Dr John Ward, Research Director of the Energy Systems Research Program, CSIRO; Dr Vanessa Teo, CEO of Agrome IQ; and Thida Kheav, Co-Founder and CEO of Solar Green Energy.

In his address, Dr Nuki emphasised the critical importance of sustainable and indigenous energy sources in navigating the complexities of the modern energy landscape. Highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to developing its energy resources as a strategic move towards self-reliance and resilience, Dr Nuki underscored the significance of collaboration with Australia in the realm of pumped storage technology. He stressed how pumped storage, with its ability to store and release energy rapidly, could serve as a linchpin in balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, thereby ensuring a more stable and reliable energy supply for the region.

Dr Nuki‘s statements illuminated the depth of ASEAN-Australia cooperation beyond mere energy collaboration. He emphasised that the partnership between the two regions extended to comprehensive engagement, reflective of their shared economic interests and commitment to regional stability and prosperity. Moreover, Dr Nuki highlighted Australia’s support for ASEAN centrality, affirming its dedication to the region’s security and development.

The ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, according to Dr Nuki, provided an invaluable platform to strengthen these bonds further, particularly in areas such as economic, climate, and clean energy cooperation. Beyond governmental interactions, the summit also facilitated exchanges between emerging leaders and experts, fostering innovation and sustainable solutions to shared challenges. Dr Nuki expressed optimism about the future of ASEAN-Australia cooperation, emphasising the importance of ongoing engagement to shape a collective future that addresses pressing global concerns.

As the summit concluded, the discussions held at the Climate and Clean Energy Transition Forum echoed a resounding commitment to collaborative action in tackling climate change and advancing clean energy initiatives. Dr Nuki‘s insights, along with those of his fellow panellists, underscored the shared vision of ASEAN and Australia in building a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. With the summit setting the stage for even closer collaboration in the years ahead, the journey towards a cleaner and greener tomorrow appears more promising than ever.