Australian innovators helping power Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition

Australia’s world-class energy transition solutions took centre stage at PETRONAS’ flagship Energy Asia conference from 16–18 June in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

An Australian delegation of 30 representatives from 21 organisations showcased cutting-edge solutions that can help drive Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition. The delegation was participating in the “Innovating Southeast Asia’s Energy Transition” mission under the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) program.

Austrade, in partnership with Investment NSW and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, opened the Team Australia Pavillion at Energy Asia. Visitors had a firsthand look at Australian green innovations, including renewable energy technologies, energy storage and grid management, and carbon capture and storage (CCUS). There was strong interest, paving the way for potential collaborations between Australian businesses and Southeast Asian organisations.

Australian education institutions also highlighted Australia’s strong expertise in research and development, as well as programs to extend the skills and knowledge of the energy sector workforce. The presence of education institutions underscored the importance of university partnerships to address the challenges of developing clean energy literacy, and to upskill the workforce that will drive the energy transition.

A renewable energy leader in Southeast Asia

Malaysia is committed to achieving its net zero by 2050 goal. The country has positioned itself as a leader in Southeast Asia for reducing emissions from carbon-intensive industries and as a renewable energy hub.

The country is looking for technologies, services and expertise that can support its rapidly growing energy transition industries, with a focus on solar, hydrogen, CCUS, and waste-to-energy.

Australia has abundant natural resources and essential minerals required for clean energy technologies, ranging from batteries to wind turbines. This makes Australia the partner of choice to help Malaysia – and Southeast Asia – achieve its energy security and sustainability goals.

Susan Kahwati, Head of Green Economy at Austrade, led the trade mission to Malaysia.

‘Australia plays a vital role in the global energy transition, having taken steps to decarbonise grids and deploy solar and wind energy into our networks,’ she says. ‘Our presence at Energy Asia demonstrates Australia’s commitment towards contributing to Malaysia’s net-zero objectives and our desire to collaborate with industry leaders to support the region’s clean energy ambitions.’

Opportunities and knowledge-sharing on the agenda

Key highlights of the mission included industry discussions, knowledge sharing and insights into opportunities in Brunei.

Discussions with Malaysia’s clean energy industry stakeholders

Austrade organised industry panel discussions and networking events, bringing together key industry stakeholders from Malaysia and Australia to explore strategic partnerships for clean energy transition in the region. These market-driven events sparked engaging dialogue among the attendees around how Australia–Malaysia partnerships can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes and drive growth in the clean energy sector.

Knowledge sharing with industry and education experts

Experts from Woodside Energy, the University of New South Wales, and South Australia's Special Envoy for Southeast Asia shared their insights at Energy Asia’s conference and exhibition. Topics included energy balance and leadership, building resilient grids, developing skilled workers and how Australian expertise can help drive the energy transition in Asia.

Exploring opportunities in Brunei

With its heavy dependence on oil and gas, Brunei is looking for international partners to help it to move towards net zero. Austrade organised targeted panel discussions and business-matching sessions for Bruneian companies to share the country’s market landscape and explore partnership opportunities with Australian energy innovators.

Partnering to achieve mutual net zero goals

Southeast Asia is on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040. Australia is well positioned to support the region’s clean energy transition with an abundance of renewable energy, innovative clean energy technologies, and a highly skilled workforce.

Gregory Harvey, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei, says Malaysia’s strategic location and strong trade ties make it an ideal gateway to Southeast Asia.

‘Australian companies looking to establish a presence in Malaysia can access a vast and growing market. During the Energy Transition mission, our delegates have made business connections and forged new partnerships that will grow the green economy in Australia, Malaysia and the region.

‘The energy transition is a key area of focus for both Australia and Malaysia,’ he adds. ‘We are eager to continue collaborating with government and industry leaders to help the region realise its net zero ambitions.’

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