Southeast Asia stands at a defining moment in its energy transition. While renewables have become cheaper and more reliable than ever, governments across the region continue to expand gas infrastructure — risking costly lock-ins and delayed climate progress.

In this episode of Energy Insights, host Stephen unpacks the findings from BloombergNEF’s latest analysis, which reveals how renewables like solar, wind, and battery storage are now outcompeting gas in markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Yet, despite the clear economics, policy inertia and fossil fuel dependence continue to shape the region’s energy future.

From the volatility of LNG prices to the growing momentum behind clean power, we explore why Southeast Asia remains at an energy crossroads — and what it will take for the region to finally pivot towards a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system.

In this episode of Energy Insights, we speak with Mia Watanabe, Climate Campaigner at Oil Change International, about the real costs of Australia’s gas strategy and its wider implications for Southeast Asia’s energy future.

Australia has become one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, but this dependence on fossil fuels raises serious concerns over environmental, social, and economic impacts. Mia explains how the continued push for LNG undermines climate goals across Asia, with public finance and corporate interests locking countries into long-term fossil fuel dependency.

The discussion also explores the urgent need for policy reform, the accelerating potential of renewables, and the opportunities for Southeast Asia to build a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Tune in for expert insights into the role of LNG, the energy transition, and how Australia’s gas strategy is shaping the region’s climate pathway.

LinkedIn: Mia Watanabe

In this episode of Energy Insights, we sit down with Amy Kong and Yu Sun Chin, from Zero Carbon Analytics. Together, they provide valuable insights into the complexities of Southeast Asia’s energy future, where the shift towards clean energy is both an opportunity and a challenge.

Amy and Yu discuss the region’s clean energy investment trends, the ongoing role of fossil fuels like LNG, and the policy gaps that are slowing the transition to a low-carbon economy. They dive into the role of foreign capital, the impact of government policies, and the potential for regional collaboration to accelerate the energy transition in ASEAN.

Tune in for a deep dive into Southeast Asia's energy politics, and learn what steps are necessary for the region to achieve its ambitious climate goals while maintaining energy security and economic growth.

For more information on Zero Carbon Analytics, visit their website: Zero Carbon Analytics

The global energy shift towards renewables is gaining momentum, but what role does investment play in this transition? In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the key findings from the World Energy Investment 2025 report. From the rapid growth of renewables to the continued dominance of fossil fuels, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in scaling up clean energy investments.

As the world moves away from fossil fuels, we delve into the financial trends, barriers to progress, and the policies needed to accelerate the energy transition.

Can the right investments and policy reforms speed up this change? Tune in to find out how the future of global energy is being shaped.

In this episode of Energy Insights, we are joined by Joel Chester (Cheng) Pagulayan, the Climate Justice Portfolio Manager at Oxfam Pilipinas. Cheng is a renowned Filipino climate justice advocate with a strong focus on energy transition, gender equity, and youth empowerment.

Cheng provides valuable insights into the Philippines’ energy shift, dissecting the country’s reliance on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its impact on the nation’s climate goals. While the government has set ambitious renewable energy targets, the continued investment in LNG raises concerns about the country’s true commitment to sustainable energy. Cheng explains the dangerous distractions posed by LNG as a so-called “bridge fuel,” and the risks associated with prioritising fossil fuels over renewable alternatives.

As a leader in the climate justice movement, Cheng also discusses the need for a just transition that centres around people, not profits, and how the Philippine government can better align its energy policies with social justice and inclusivity.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the complex challenges the Philippines faces in its energy future and how it can chart a more sustainable, equitable path forward.

LinkedIn: Joel Chester (Cheng) Pagulayan

In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore China’s renewable energy expansion and its growing influence on Southeast Asia’s energy landscape. As China rapidly shifts from coal to clean energy, the region’s energy policies are at a crossroads. With solar, wind, and hydropower investments surging, what can Southeast Asia learn from China’s journey?

Join us as we discuss how China’s green energy strategy is reshaping the region’s energy future and the challenges and opportunities for Southeast Asia in balancing fossil fuel dependence with renewable energy growth. What role can China’s energy model play in Southeast Asia’s transition, and how can the region seize its own green energy potential?

For more in-depth analysis, visit energytracker.asia.

In this episode of Energy Insights, we speak with Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney, a leading energy transition consultant specialising in solar, wind, and hydrogen projects. With over five years of international experience, she shares her journey and insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in energy leadership.

Dr. Varshney discusses the critical role of gender inclusivity in energy transition strategies, the barriers women face in technical and leadership roles, and how gender-focused policies drive better decision-making and sustainability in the energy sector.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how women are shaping the future of clean energy and leading the charge for a sustainable future.

Follow Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney’s work and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from women in energy leadership.

LinkedIn: Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney

Japan has secured a historic LNG deal with the United States, a move positioned as a step towards greater energy security. However, this decision raises pressing questions about its alignment with climate commitments and its broader influence on regional energy policies. As the world accelerates towards decarbonisation, is this agreement a necessary short-term measure or a prolonged dependence on fossil fuels?

Read the article here:
https://energytracker.asia/japan-to-buy-record-amounts-of-lng-from-us-after-trump-and-ishiba-meet/

In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the complexities behind Japan’s LNG expansion, examining the strategic motivations driving this shift, the geopolitical and economic implications, and its potential impact on Southeast Asia’s energy transition. While LNG is often presented as a cleaner alternative to coal, its long-term role remains controversial. The environmental consequences, financial risks, and infrastructure commitments tied to LNG could influence Japan’s ability to meet its decarbonisation targets and shift focus away from renewables.

This deal is about more than just energy; it reflects Japan’s approach to economic security, international diplomacy, and sustainable development. As LNG infrastructure expands, the key question remains: does this strengthen Japan’s position in a volatile energy landscape, or does it lock the region into extended fossil fuel reliance at a time when the world is pivoting towards clean energy?