ASEAN stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition, aiming for a formidable 35% renewable energy share in installed capacity by 2025, alongside mid-century net-zero targets. While government policy sets the ambition, fragmented progress across the region now dictates that business-led collaboration is not just an option—it is the essential engine for success. Senior energy leaders recently convened by Gentari underscored a powerful truth: corporate leadership must be the central force accelerating systemic change.
The momentum is driven by surging corporate demand. Faced with stringent ESG mandates, net-zero commitments, and rapid growth in energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing and data centers, businesses are actively reshaping the energy landscape. To date, corporate buyers have already enabled over 3.3 GW of new renewable capacity in ASEAN through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These corporations are acting as co-investors and co-designers, often moving faster than existing regulation by deploying capital and championing clearer policy frameworks.
However, scaling this transformation demands fixing crucial supply-side constraints. Regional integration, epitomized by initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), is foundational for enabling efficient cross-border clean energy trade. Participants stressed the urgency of modernizing grids, streamlining permitting, and harmonizing standards, especially given the friction faced by corporate buyers in tightly regulated transmission and retail markets. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are also immediate enablers, though a harmonized, credible governance model is vital to ensure they are internationally recognised and serve as catalysts for new project deployment.
Ultimately, the future of ASEAN’s clean energy market hinges on public-private synergy. Business-led momentum must be complemented by clear and consistent government action. By aligning commercial ambition with political leadership—unlocking streamlined permitting, predictable regulations, and integrated regional frameworks—ASEAN can transition from fragmented pilot projects to a scalable, resilient, and renewable-powered economic bloc. The time for businesses and governments to act in unison is now.
Guest Idea:
Sushil Purohit
Chief Executive Officer
Gentari Group
Sushil Purohit leads Gentari Group as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, focusing on decarbonisation, renewable energy, hydrogen, and green mobility. Before joining Gentari in January 2023, he spent 25 years at Wärtsilä Corporation, serving as President of Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President. His extensive experience includes overseeing global energy businesses with significant P&L responsibilities across the Americas, Middle East, Asia, and Australia, focusing on power generation, energy storage, and lifecycle services. He holds an MBA and a BE in Mechanical Engineering.
More stories: The Hindu Business Line: Gentari, Shell partner to expand EV charging access across India