Japan strengthens Southeast Asia ties through clean energy diplomacy. (Photo: ASEAN)
In recent weeks, Japan has stepped up its clean energy collaboration with ASEAN nations, highlighted by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visits to Indonesia and Malaysia on behalf of the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC).
Prior to this, current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also toured Southeast Asia, where he reaffirmed commitments to jointly develop low-carbon energy with partner countries.
Japan's geothermal investment marks a milestone
On May 5, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn met with Fumio Kishida and AZEC Special Advisor Takio Yamada at the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta.
Kao emphasized the importance of Japan-ASEAN cooperation in clean energy, particularly in advancing renewable energy deployment, improving energy efficiency, and developing decarbonization technologies such as carbon capture, green hydrogen, and green ammonia.
AZEC, an initiative led by Japan, includes nearly all ASEAN nations. Currently, ten countries participate: Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The initiative primarily aims to export Japanese technology to help member countries achieve carbon neutrality.
During Kishida’s visit, Japanese and Indonesian companies finalized the financial close agreement for an expansion of the Muara Laboh geothermal power plant in West Sumatra. The total investment is expected to reach USD 500 million, with a planned install capacity of 80 MW.
Following his stop in Indonesia, Kishida will head to Malaysia. Ahead of the visit, Japan’s ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata, stated that the agenda will focus on the upcoming AZEC Ministerial and Leaders’ Meeting, to be held in Malaysia this October. As this year’s ASEAN chair, Malaysia will co-host the event with Japan and promote new flagship projects.
Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant in Indonesia. (Photo: Inpex)
Japan seeks to bolster U.S. ties in ASEAN
Before Kishida’s trip, Prime Minister Ishiba had already visited Vietnam and the Philippines in late April, placing clean energy high on the agenda.
Japan signed a cooperation agreement with Vietnam pledging continued support for solar and wind development. At a press conference, Ishiba called Vietnam a key partner in Japan’s clean energy strategy and encouraged more Japanese investment in its renewable sector.
According to the Japan News, Japan’s proactive engagement in Southeast Asia also serves a geopolitical purpose. Amid U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, Japan aims to prevent ASEAN countries from drifting away from U.S. influence while also countering China’s expanding presence in the region.
Source: Bernama(1), (2), Antara(1), (2), Solar Quarter, The Japan News
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