This policy brief was developed as part of the Eurasian Energy Convening Initiative and builds on findings from the in-person dialogue “Eurasian Energy Convening: Navigating the Energy Trilemma and Trade Dynamics in a Fragmented Geopolitical Landscape” and online workshop “Co-Innovating Asia’s Energy Transition: Reimagining Energy Systems Across the Region” organised by Climate Strategies.

The publication explores how Asia can navigate rising energy demand, entrenched coal dependence, and shifting geopolitical dynamics while advancing a just and resilient clean energy transition. The policy brief highlights the risks of carbon lock-in from discounted fossil fuel imports and the uneven distribution of clean-technology manufacturing capacity across the region.

Co-innovation—joint development of technologies, policies, and business models across borders—is argued for as a powerful alternative to traditional technology transfer. The publication shows how South-South and EU-South collaboration can help ASEAN and other emerging economies move into higher-value segments of clean energy value chains, strengthen energy security, and accelerate coal phase-down while supporting jobs and local development.

By linking clean technology deployment with industrial strategy, finance, and just transition principles, the policy brief offers concrete policy directions for governments, investors, and regional institutions seeking to position Asia as a proactive and influential leader in the global energy transition.