The Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) has released its annual survey, “State of the Energy Transition in ASEAN,” revealing a significant shift in focus towards energy storage and grid enhancements. The survey, conducted in August 2025, gathered insights from 105 energy professionals across Southeast Asia, highlighting storage and batteries as the top investment priority for 65.7% of respondents over the next year, followed by transmission upgrades at 41.9%.
The findings underscore the pressing challenges faced by the region, with 73% of respondents citing grid infrastructure gaps as the primary obstacle to scaling renewable energy. Regulatory uncertainty and financing constraints were also identified as significant barriers by 66.7% and 56% of participants, respectively. The survey indicates a growing need for cross-border coordination, with 66.7% of respondents advocating for stronger regional collaboration to enhance supply chain resilience.
Edwin Khew, Chairman of SEAS, commented, “This year’s survey tells a story of a transition under strain, but not in retreat.” He emphasised the importance of Singapore’s evolving role in leveraging its strengths in finance, policy, and diplomacy to build a resilient regional energy framework, with carbon markets as a critical component.
Despite the challenges, confidence in solar energy remains high, with 83.8% of respondents seeing it as the most scalable energy source in the next five years. The survey also highlights the potential of green hydrogen, with 57.1% of respondents optimistic about its future.
The Asia Clean Energy Summit, scheduled for 28-30 October 2025 in Singapore, will address these findings, focusing on strategies to enhance grid resilience and advance carbon market mechanisms. The summit will also introduce a new Bioenergy track to explore emerging renewable technologies.
