Enlit Asia 2024 kicks off, illuminating ASEAN’s energy transition conversations

Industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators converge in Kuala Lumpur to accelerate collaborative solutions for a sustainable and resilient energy future in the ASEAN region.

Enlit Asia 2024, the premier energy conference for the ASEAN region, launched today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. Under the theme “Enabling a Multidimensional Energy Transition in ASEAN,” the event draws inspiration from Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), setting the stage for critical conversations on the region’s sustainable energy future.

As the sole platform in ASEAN uniting the entire energy supply chain, Enlit Asia brings together industry leaders, key stakeholders, and experts for three days of dynamic discussions and collaborations. Building on the momentum of last year’s successful Jakarta event, Kuala Lumpur now takes the helm, leveraging Malaysia’s position as a Southeast Asian economic powerhouse and its ongoing energy transition journey guided by the NETR.

In his opening address, YB Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), underscored the country’s commitment to driving forward a sustainable and resilient energy future, both within Malaysia and across the ASEAN community. He stated, “Malaysia’s commitment to energy transition is guided by key policies such as the NETR (among others), which outlines our strategies to diversify the energy mix, enhance energy efficiency, and leverage new technologies such as hydrogen and grid modernisation to achieve energy transition.

Highlighting ASEAN’s pivotal role in the global energy transition, Akmal emphasised the region’s immense potential in advancing its climate agenda. “We must acknowledge that no single entity or country can achieve this monumental task alone. Strong partnerships and collaborations across borders, industries, and sectors are essential. A key enabler in this effort is the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), which will be one of Malaysia’s primary focus during our chairmanship of the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in 2025. The APG offers a critical platform for accelerating the uptake of renewable energy throughout the ASEAN region, while ensuring energy security across borders.”

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s leading utility and Enlit Asia’s official utility partner, stands at the forefront of the energy sector’s evolution. As a key driver for the nation’s energy transition agenda, TNB’s chief executive highlighted critical areas for the success of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).

“ASEAN’s energy landscape is evolving into a powerful platform for regional collaboration, with immense potential for growth. The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) represents a strategic opportunity to democratise energy generation and distribution across member states, fostering shared benefits for all.

Further, for the APG to fully materialise, harmonising regulatory frameworks across ASEAN is a priority. Each country operates within its own regulatory environment, and bridging these differences is essential to unlocking the grid’s full potential.” said Datuk Ir. Megat, President and Chief Executive Officer of TNB at the opening plenary titled: Shaping Regional Energy Transition – From Malaysia to Beyond.

The conference’s inaugural day witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas and solutions, with discussions centered on ASEAN’s shared goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Panel sessions explored a range of themes, from integrating renewables to enhancing grid resilience, all underscoring the importance of a collaborative, cross-border approach.

“Think about the generations that come after us, their most pressing question about our climate action would undoubtedly be: ‘Did we act fast enough? Did we do enough?’ This thought drives our mission; as a technology company, we’re laser-focused on electrifying and decarbonising the planet. While the last decade was all about understanding the climate, the next decade needs to be about action and collaboration.” noted Ramesh Singaram, President and CEO Asia, Gas Power of GE Vernova.

Attendees reached a clear consensus: ASEAN is well-positioned to become a global leader for a sustainable energy transition. Summit streams provided key insights into emerging trends, including the accelerating adoption of renewable energy, advancements in energy storage technology, and the growing significance of cross-border electricity trade within the region.

Simon Hoare, Enlit Asia’s Portfolio Director of Energy, expressed enthusiasm about the conference’s strong start: “The first day has ignited engaging discussions among industry leaders and energy professionals, advancing our mission to break down silos and foster greater collaboration across borders and sectors — tailored to ASEAN’s unique energy landscape.”

The upcoming two days promise even deeper exploration of critical energy topics including grid modernisation, sustainable power generation, and financing the green future. A diverse lineup of speakers and panelists will take the stage, including representatives from PT PLN (Persero), SP Group, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), EVN HCMC (Vietnam Electricity), National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) Philippines, Mitsubishi Power, and the Women in Nuclear, Malaysia Chapter, among many others.

As the first day of Enlit Asia 2024 comes to a close, it is evident that the conference is primed to drive ASEAN’s energy transition forward. The gathering has proven to not only foster critical dialogues but also promises a showcase of cutting-edge solutions and innovations designed to propel the region’s shift toward a sustainable energy future.