Singapore, 29–30 October 2025: ERIA shared key insights on advancing ASEAN’s energy transition during the Asian Downstream Summit (ADS), Asian Refining Technology Conference (ARTC), and Ammonia & Carbon Capture Asia (ACCA), held on 29–30 October as part of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2025. The event brought together industry leaders and decision-makers from across ASEAN to discuss the sector’s transformation and emerging opportunities.

Dr Nuki Agya Utama, Director for Energy Policy and Head of the Asia Zero Emission Center at ERIA, delivered a keynote address on ‘AZEC and the Downstream Transformation Towards Zero Emissions’ during the opening plenary. He underscored the pivotal role of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) in achieving a ‘Triple Breakthrough’ – addressing climate change, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring energy security – under the guiding principle of One Goal, Various Pathways. Dr Nuki highlighted that ASEAN’s downstream industries must pursue gradual but steady transformation, supported by innovation in hydrogen, ammonia, e-fuels, and carbon recycling, to reach deep decarbonisation while maintaining competitiveness and reliability.

In the following plenary, Dr Weerawat Chantanakome, Senior Counsel on Energy Policy at ERIA, joined as keynote panellist for ’A Realistic Approach to the Energy Transition: Building a Resilient and Competitive Downstream Model.’ He discussed regional market outlooks, key trends, and potential disruptions in refining and petrochemicals, and identified new opportunities for downstream players to capture value in a decarbonising landscape. Dr Weerawat also highlighted the growing importance of transitional and sustainable finance in supporting the sector’s low-carbon transformation.

On the second day, Dr Alloysius Joko Purwanto, Energy Economist at ERIA, participated in the panel ‘Growing Refineries’ Fuel Capacity: Preparing, Planning, and Producing Biofuels.’ He shared perspectives on the economic and policy dimensions of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) development in ASEAN, emphasising the need for cost-effective refinery conversion, infrastructure readiness, and regional policy harmonisation to accelerate SAF deployment.

ERIA’s participation underscored its commitment to supporting ASEAN’s downstream transformation through evidence-based research, policy dialogue, and regional co-operation toward achieving a sustainable and competitive energy future.

Photo credit: Asian Downstream Summit