ASEAN Readiness for the Energy Transition: A Baseline Assessment of the Cohesion and Viability of Key ASEAN Energy Planning Documents

Regarding the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) for the period 2026-2030:

• While the APAEC for 2021-2025 with the sub-theme “Accelerating the Energy Transition and Strengthening Energy Resilience through Greater Innovation and Cooperation” reflects the commitment of ASEAN to deepening cooperation on clean and sustainable energy, it does not underline the need for close communication and knowledge-sharing between energy sector leaders and government officials tasked with formulating emissions mitigation policies in the ASEAN Member States. Meanwhile, it is essential to have close communication and knowledge-sharing between both sectors in order to overcome the barriers in the energy-climate nexus. One of the ways to resolve this can be started by highlighting the need for a closer link between energy and climate planning in not only Programme Area 6 (Regional Energy Policy and Planning), but also Programme Area 4 (Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) and Programme Area 5 (Renewable Energy).
• This APAEC document also does not include a specific definition of “low carbon economy”. To arrive at a common understanding and to organise joint efforts towards a low carbon economy and net zero emissions in ASEAN, a definition of “low carbon economy” should be included in the next phase of the APAEC. Elaboration of more concrete terms such as “net zero” and “carbon neutrality” is also needed.
• There is no mention in the APAEC document of the need for systematic changes that value inclusion and equality in society. “Gender equality”, “gender equity” and “gender inclusion” all need to be defined and discussed

Regarding the 8^th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8):

• The AEO7 report includes several scenarios which project greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions growth. The analysis therein provides a good basis for comparing the potential of various climate change mitigation policies. This use and discussion of scenarios should also be included in the AEO8 report.
• Net zero modelling should be included in the AEO8 report. Although AEO7 includes a subchapter on GHG emissions in ASEAN, it does not include a net zero- or carbon neutral-related scenario. Such a scenario is important to assess and analyse ASEAN’s capacity to develop a low carbon economy and a net zero future.
• As the AEO7 only briefly explains gender inclusivity in the energy sector, a subchapter on gender equity or gender inclusivity in the energy sector should be included in the AEO8 report.