The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) has partnered with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to launch the ASEAN–Australia Energy Cooperation Program. This initiative aims to address climate change by promoting sustainable, secure, and affordable energy within ASEAN member states. Signed in Jakarta on December 9, 2024, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing energy transition efforts and regional energy security.

The partnership was formalized during the 2nd ASEAN Power Grid Stakeholders Coordination Meetings, highlighting regional priorities such as renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and cross-border power connectivity. The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative, a major focus of this collaboration, seeks to integrate renewable energy across member states to enhance energy resilience.

ACE Acting Executive Director Beni Suryadi underscored the partnership’s significance in meeting ASEAN’s growing energy demands sustainably. Australian Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Tiffany McDonald, emphasized Australia’s dedication to fostering a clean energy future beneficial to both regions. With a USD 4.2 million budget over three years, the program will include capacity-building workshops, collaborative research, and policy planning to implement ASEAN’s Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

This cooperation aligns with APAEC’s goals of reducing emissions and enhancing energy access through innovative solutions. By focusing on renewable energy integration and energy infrastructure development, this initiative strengthens ASEAN’s efforts to combat climate change while fostering economic growth.

The partnership also supports the creation of the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook, a comprehensive framework for guiding energy policies and investments. Stakeholders such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank are expected to play pivotal roles in advancing the ASEAN Power Grid.

Overall, this collaboration reflects ASEAN and Australia’s unified vision for a sustainable energy landscape, setting a precedent for international cooperation in tackling global climate challenges.