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