Singapore, 29 October 2025: ERIA, in its capacity as the secretariat of the Asia Transition Finance Study Group (ATFSG), joined the conversation at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) Energy Insights 2025, held as part of SIEW.

Dr Nuki Agya Utama, Director for Energy Policy and Head of Asia Zero Emission Center at ERIA, shared insights on advancing transition finance across the region. During his presentation, he emphasised the need for practical pathways to mobilise investments that support a just and orderly transition in Asia. He highlighted ERIA’s collaborative efforts with partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), particularly through the ERIA–ADB–METI Joint Report and the recently released publication, Technology List and Perspectives for Transition Finance in Asia. These initiatives aim to provide financial institutions and policymakers with concrete tools to evaluate transition technologies and support decarbonisation in key sectors.

Joining the panel was Dr Megumi Muto, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Deputy Group Sustainability Officer at Mizuho Financial Group, who represented the Financial Institution (FI) Lead of the ATFSG. Dr Muto presented the ATFSG’s achievements and latest findings on practical enablers to accelerate transition finance implementation, including solutions and systems that support ASEAN’s energy transition.

During the panel discussion, Dr Nuki underscored that advancing transition finance in ASEAN requires strong regional co-operation, pragmatic financing mechanisms, and the alignment of technology, policy, and market systems to achieve net-zero goals. Bridging the time gap between investment and operation requires three key elements: clarity, credibility, and coordination. In this context, government commitment is crucial.

Mechanisms that could help to close the gap include:
• gradually phasing out fossil fuel subsidies while protecting vulnerable consumers,
• streamlining the process of issuing permits for renewable projects to ensure timely approvals (within 12 months),
• establishing transparent power purchase agreements with revenue clarity, and
• strengthening mandate efficiency regulations across hard-to-abate and high-emitting sectors.

Photo credit: EMA