At Gastech 2026, a major energy conference held in September, policymakers from Southeast Asian countries emphasized the need for pragmatic approaches to renewable energy transitions rather than focusing solely on net-zero targets. The primary concern was securing affordable supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is crucial for industrial growth in these regions. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are particularly dependent on imported LNG, with Singapore's economy being almost entirely powered by the fuel. Policymakers called for closer cooperation among neighboring nations to address the supply crunch and ensure reliable access to affordable gas supplies for continued economic development.
policymakers implored pragmatism over net-zero targets and closer cooperation to ensure affordable LNG supplies
