The Role of Natural Gas in Balancing ASEAN’s Energy Transition Aspiration and Energy Supply Security

Summary

This Report highlights the role of natural gas in meeting ASEAN’s surging energy demand growth, that is still dominated by fossil fuels. In 2022, one-fifth of ASEAN’s total primary energy supply was provided by natural gas, the fossil fuel with the least carbon dioxide emitted. However, the actual quantity of natural gas used in the region has remained stagnant in recent years, and tending to decline. ASEAN has also experienced a continuous decline in its gas production since 2019. To balance energy transition and energy security, the utilisation of natural gas must be expanded. This Report therefore maps the current natural gas demand, supply, and infrastructure, along with exploring natural gas development challenges and recommendations in the region.