The global energy shift towards renewables is gaining momentum, but what role does investment play in this transition? In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the key findings from the World Energy Investment 2025 report. From the rapid growth of renewables to the continued dominance of fossil fuels, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in scaling up clean energy investments.

As the world moves away from fossil fuels, we delve into the financial trends, barriers to progress, and the policies needed to accelerate the energy transition.

Can the right investments and policy reforms speed up this change? Tune in to find out how the future of global energy is being shaped.

In this episode of Energy Insights, we are joined by Joel Chester (Cheng) Pagulayan, the Climate Justice Portfolio Manager at Oxfam Pilipinas. Cheng is a renowned Filipino climate justice advocate with a strong focus on energy transition, gender equity, and youth empowerment.

Cheng provides valuable insights into the Philippines’ energy shift, dissecting the country’s reliance on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its impact on the nation’s climate goals. While the government has set ambitious renewable energy targets, the continued investment in LNG raises concerns about the country’s true commitment to sustainable energy. Cheng explains the dangerous distractions posed by LNG as a so-called “bridge fuel,” and the risks associated with prioritising fossil fuels over renewable alternatives.

As a leader in the climate justice movement, Cheng also discusses the need for a just transition that centres around people, not profits, and how the Philippine government can better align its energy policies with social justice and inclusivity.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the complex challenges the Philippines faces in its energy future and how it can chart a more sustainable, equitable path forward.

LinkedIn: Joel Chester (Cheng) Pagulayan

In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore China’s renewable energy expansion and its growing influence on Southeast Asia’s energy landscape. As China rapidly shifts from coal to clean energy, the region’s energy policies are at a crossroads. With solar, wind, and hydropower investments surging, what can Southeast Asia learn from China’s journey?

Join us as we discuss how China’s green energy strategy is reshaping the region’s energy future and the challenges and opportunities for Southeast Asia in balancing fossil fuel dependence with renewable energy growth. What role can China’s energy model play in Southeast Asia’s transition, and how can the region seize its own green energy potential?

For more in-depth analysis, visit energytracker.asia.

In this episode of Energy Insights, we speak with Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney, a leading energy transition consultant specialising in solar, wind, and hydrogen projects. With over five years of international experience, she shares her journey and insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in energy leadership.

Dr. Varshney discusses the critical role of gender inclusivity in energy transition strategies, the barriers women face in technical and leadership roles, and how gender-focused policies drive better decision-making and sustainability in the energy sector.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how women are shaping the future of clean energy and leading the charge for a sustainable future.

Follow Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney’s work and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from women in energy leadership.

LinkedIn: Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney

Japan has secured a historic LNG deal with the United States, a move positioned as a step towards greater energy security. However, this decision raises pressing questions about its alignment with climate commitments and its broader influence on regional energy policies. As the world accelerates towards decarbonisation, is this agreement a necessary short-term measure or a prolonged dependence on fossil fuels?

Read the article here:
https://energytracker.asia/japan-to-buy-record-amounts-of-lng-from-us-after-trump-and-ishiba-meet/

In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the complexities behind Japan’s LNG expansion, examining the strategic motivations driving this shift, the geopolitical and economic implications, and its potential impact on Southeast Asia’s energy transition. While LNG is often presented as a cleaner alternative to coal, its long-term role remains controversial. The environmental consequences, financial risks, and infrastructure commitments tied to LNG could influence Japan’s ability to meet its decarbonisation targets and shift focus away from renewables.

This deal is about more than just energy; it reflects Japan’s approach to economic security, international diplomacy, and sustainable development. As LNG infrastructure expands, the key question remains: does this strengthen Japan’s position in a volatile energy landscape, or does it lock the region into extended fossil fuel reliance at a time when the world is pivoting towards clean energy?

In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the critical issue of captive coal power in Indonesia, a significant obstacle to the country’s 2040 coal phase-out target. Captive coal plants, which operate off-grid to supply energy to industries like nickel production, are expanding rapidly, locking industries into long-term fossil fuel dependency. This episode examines the environmental and public health impacts of this trend, highlighting projections of increased air pollution and premature deaths if reliance on captive coal continues unchecked.

The discussion also addresses the economic risks of fossil fuel dependency, including stranded assets and reduced global competitiveness in a world moving toward renewable energy. Indonesia’s immense renewable energy potential, particularly in solar, wind, and geothermal power, offers a clear path forward. The conversation explores how policy reforms, technological innovation, and international collaboration can accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems, aligning Indonesia’s energy future with global climate goals.

Discover how Indonesia can overcome the challenges posed by captive coal, harness its vast renewable resources, and lead Southeast Asia’s energy transition towards a sustainable and equitable future.

Read more on this topic here:
https://energytracker.asia/captive-coal-in-indonesia

This episode of Energy Insights critically examines the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), an initiative aimed at advancing decarbonisation across 11 countries in Asia and the Pacific. While AZEC aspires to promote regional collaboration and sustainable energy development, its dependence on fossil fuel-based technologies, including LNG, CCS, and ammonia co-firing, raises important questions about its alignment with decarbonisation goals.

Drawing on insights from the Asia Zero Emission Community’s Fossil Fuel Dependency report, the discussion explores the environmental, economic, and policy challenges impeding Asia’s energy transition. Topics include the region’s vast renewable energy potential, such as Indonesia’s significant solar capacity and Vietnam’s progress in wind energy, alongside the pressing need to prioritise renewables and phase out fossil fuels.

Offering actionable strategies, the episode highlights how robust policies, regional collaboration, and technological innovation can drive Asia towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

This episode of Energy Insights explores the contrasts shaping Asia’s renewable energy landscape. With surging energy demands and immense potential for renewable transformation, Asia is both a challenge and an opportunity in the global energy transition.

The discussion focuses on the successes of countries like China, India, and Vietnam, where ambitious policies and investments are driving renewable energy progress. It also examines the obstacles faced by nations such as Indonesia and Pakistan, highlighting the critical barriers of policy inconsistencies, financing challenges, and reliance on fossil fuels.

Strategies for bridging these gaps are also discussed, including regional collaboration, policy innovation, and technological advancements that can accelerate the region’s shift towards a sustainable energy future.