SHAWN HUNTER | 

Asia is at a crossroads. As the region with the fastest-growing energy demand in the world, its choices in the coming years will determine not only its own future but also that of the planet. Since 1990, coal emissions in Asia have skyrocketed by 300%, making up 52% of global coal-related emissions. With energy demand projected to grow by 3% annually, achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century is a monumental challenge.

The urgency of transition

Asia’s energy landscape is complex and dynamic. While some countries have made strides in adopting renewable energy, the region as a whole remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly coal. The environmental toll is staggering. Rising emissions exacerbate the impacts of climate change, from more frequent natural disasters to rising sea levels that threaten millions in coastal and island communities.

Yet, the economic stakes are just as high. Energy insecurity can destabilise economies, while inaction on climate change threatens long-term growth and development. With global attention increasingly focused on sustainability, Asian economies have an opportunity to lead the way in the green energy transition, demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions that balance growth and environmental stewardship.

GEN-A: A platform for collaboration

The Green Energy Network – Asia (GEN-A) was established to address the critical gaps that hinder the region’s transition to sustainable energy. Central to its mission is fostering partnerships between Asian economies and China, a global leader in green energy technology and financing.

Designed to accelerate the green energy transition, GEN-A enhances the capacity of decision-makers across Asia to work effectively with Chinese green technology and finance providers. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, GEN-A is paving the way for a sustainable energy future in the region.

GEN-A is an initiative of the Griffith Asia Institute and is supported by a core group of implementation partners, including the Pakistan-China Institute, the Institute for Essential Services Reform, the Green Finance Development Center, and Climate Smart Ventures.

Through initiatives like the Belt and Road, Chinese institutions have invested heavily in infrastructure and renewable energy projects across the region. However, challenges remain in ensuring that these investments align with local needs and sustainability goals. GEN-A seeks to bridge this divide, equipping policymakers, industry leaders, and investors with the tools and knowledge needed to engage effectively with Chinese and international partners.

Challenges facing Asian energy leaders

Achieving a just green transition in Asia requires overcoming significant obstacles:

  • Access to green finance: Financing renewable energy projects is a complex process that requires navigating international funding mechanisms and meeting stringent criteria. Many countries struggle to secure adequate resources to scale up their energy transitions.
  • Technology selection: Choosing the right technologies for energy generation, distribution, and storage is critical to ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. However, the rapid pace of technological advancement can make this a daunting task for decision-makers.
  • Capacity gaps: Policymakers, project developers, and industry leaders often lack the expertise needed to negotiate and collaborate effectively with international stakeholders, including Chinese technology providers and financiers.

These challenges underscore the need for coordinated, region-wide efforts to build capacity, share knowledge, and foster innovation.

How GEN-A is making a difference

GEN-A is not just a network—it’s a catalyst for change. By bringing together stakeholders from policy, finance, and industry, GEN-A creates opportunities for collaboration and capacity-building that drive the green energy transition.

Key initiatives include:

  • Facilitating knowledge exchange: GEN-A provides a platform for sharing best practices, case studies, and lessons learned, helping stakeholders make informed decisions about their energy transitions.
  • Capacity building: Through training programs, workshops, and strategic partnerships, GEN-A equips energy leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex negotiations and implement sustainable energy projects.
  • Promoting informed policymaking: By fostering dialogue between governments, businesses, and investors, GEN-A supports the development of policies that align with both national priorities and global sustainability goals.

GEN-A’s pilot phase focuses on Pakistan and Indonesia, two countries with significant potential for renewable energy development. Collaborations with local institutions like the Institute of Essential Services Reform (IESR) in Indonesia and the Pakistan-China Institute ensure that GEN-A’s efforts are tailored to local contexts while maintaining a regional focus.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

The success of Asia’s energy transition hinges on collaboration. While China plays a central role, the involvement of Western public and private partners is equally important. By leveraging the strengths of all stakeholders, Asia can access the technology, finance, and expertise needed to achieve a just and sustainable transition.

Importantly, this collaboration must prioritise equity. A just transition ensures that the benefits of sustainable energy are shared widely and that vulnerable communities are not left behind. This is particularly critical in Asia, where millions depend on fossil fuels for their livelihoods.

Opportunities for global leadership

Asia’s green transition is not just a regional challenge—it’s a global opportunity. Platforms like GEN-A demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing complex issues, offering a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

As the region works towards net-zero emissions, international events like the 2025 Oceans Summit provide crucial opportunities for Pacific and Asian nations to advocate for greater global ambition on climate action. By aligning efforts with global priorities and leveraging geopolitical competition, Asian economies can secure the resources and commitments needed to build a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

The path to a just green transition in Asia is fraught with challenges, but the opportunities are immense. Through initiatives like the Green Energy Network – Asia, the region is taking bold steps to transform its energy systems, reduce emissions, and build resilience. With sustained collaboration, innovation, and commitment, Asia can lead the way in shaping a cleaner, greener, and more equitable energy future.


AUTHOR

Shawn Hunter is an Industry Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and Hub Lead, Inclusive Growth and Rural Development Hub.

More information may be found on the Green Energy Network – Asia (GEN-A) project page.