推进创新与包容性，迈向东盟可持续能源合作——基于2026-2030年东盟能源合作行动计划（APAEC）

No.4 / February 2026 The 5ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environmentth Advancing Innovation and Inclusivity towardsSustainable Energy Cooperation in ASEANunder the APAEC 2026-2030 Auliya Febriyanti, Rhea Oktaqiara, Alifya Athia Qorina, Edelweis Agatha Zaneta Devi, Ambiyah Abdullah, Afham Kilmi Highlights The ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment (AICEE) provides a platform for researchers to share theirfindings and exchange innovations to address energy challenges in the region. At its 5edition in 2025, the conferenceadopted the theme “Sustainable Energy for ASEAN’s Prosperity: Innovation, Inclusivity, and Regional Cooperation.”th Following the endorsement of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030 during the 43ASEANMinisters on Energy Meeting (AMEM) under Malaysia’s Chairship 2025, the 5AICEE findings could serve as references toprovide inputs and recommendations to regional energy policymakers in supporting a more inclusive, adaptive, andevidence-based implementation of APAEC.rdth Recommendations from the brief include: (1) Strengthening energy policy planning through data-driven modelling; (2)Advancing low-carbon technologies through digitalisation and its efficiency and environmental considerations; (3)Harmonising technical standards across ASEAN and regulatory frameworks; (4) Embedding social and environmentalsafeguards in the ASEAN energy policy and planning; and (5) Exploring innovating and inclusive finance mechanism. Introduction1. annualASEAN International Conference on Energy andEnvironment (AICEE). The Conference serves as a scientific-policyplatform that brings together academia, policymakers, industrysectors,and international institutions to exchange empiricalfindings and innovations for the region. The insights from theConference provide a critical knowledge base to inform policydesign,implementation strategies,and regional cooperationunder APAEC. The next few decades represent a crucial phase for the regionalenergytransition as the region will face more structuralchallenges on the path toward ASEAN’s carbon neutrality targetby 2050. ASEAN is projected to miss its 2025 renewable energytarget for total primary energy supply, highlighting key challengesin decarbonising key sectors, namely industry, transport, andpower.Addressing this,ASEAN renews its five-year energyblueprint, providing a common strategic framework that alignswith evolving global dynamics. Under Malaysia’s Chairship 2025,the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC): Phase2026–2030was endorsed with the theme “Advancing RegionalCooperationin Ensuring Energy Security and AcceleratingDecarbonisation for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition.” TheAPAEC 2026–2030 sets higher targets for renewable energy—30%share in primary energy and 45% share in installed power capacity—and energy intensity—40% reduction compared to the 2005level—supported by seven programme areas. In 2025, the 5AICEE was organised in conjunction with the 43ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the ASEANEnergy Business Forum (AEBF) 2025, hosted in Malaysia. TheConference adopted a theme of “Sustainable Energy for ASEAN’sProsperity: Innovation, Inclusivity, and Regional Cooperation.”Building on the outcomes of the 5AICEE, this policy brief aims tosummarise key findings from the presented research to identifychallengesand opportunities of ASEAN’s energy transition,mapped systematically to intersect with the seven programmeareas of APAEC 2026–2030. The analyses translate researchers’and experts’ contributions into targeted policy recommendationstosupport a more inclusive,adaptive,and evidence-basedimplementation of APAEC.thrdth Since the implementation of the new phase of APAEC begins in2026,effective delivery will depend on policy coherence,evidence-based decision-making, and coordinated engagementacross multiple stakeholder levels. In this context, the ASEANCentre for Energy (ACE) strengthens the integration of energyresearch, innovation, and policymaking in the region through theannualASEAN International Conference on Energy and Policy Brief Key Insights: Challenges andOpportunities2. The section presents key insights gained from each of the sixsub-topics from the 5AICEE. The insights are synthesisedbased on 138 research papers presented (seethe ProceedingsBook) and discussed at the conference. Figure 1 showcased avisual representation of keyword frequency in the researchpapers, highlighting dominant areas of study and emergingacademic trends. Draws on regional and country-level casestudies, these findings provide relevant and actionable evidenceto inform policymakers in the ASEAN energy sector.th long-term role but faces risks related to high capital costs andradioactive waste management. More importantly, assessingsociety’s acceptance of these technologies is critical to pre-empt public resistance to the infrastructure development. 2.1.Low Carbon and Emerging Technologie