ASEAN Energy Targets Fall Short, Seeks Russian Partnership to Boost Renewable and Fossil Supply

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has not met its 2025 renewable‑energy and energy‑intensity goals, with the share of renewables in primary energy falling to 16% in 2024, well below the 23% target. ASEAN still aims for a 30% renewable‑energy share in total primary energy supply and a 45% share in installed power capacity by 2030, requiring a rapid acceleration of renewable installations and efficiency improvements.

At the same time, ASEAN and Russia are advancing a joint "ASEAN‑Russian Energy Cooperation Work Plan 2026‑2030" to strengthen long‑term energy security. Fabby Tumiwa, CEO of the Institute for Essential Services Reform, said the partnership could improve Indonesia’s fossil‑fuel and oil resilience, provide access to Russian technology, and diversify gas supplies away from the United States and the Middle East. He highlighted a proposed refinery project in Tuban involving PT Pertamina and Russia’s Rosneft, while noting geopolitical risks such as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz that could affect global energy prices.