Energy companies themselves are now leading the charge toward decarbonization as Asia-Pacific economies accelerate the clean energy transition amid the growing pressure of climate change, energy security concerns, and technological disruptions.
Weiguo Shan, the lead shepherd of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Working Group, said “go green” is now becoming a voluntary action.
“Industry giants are proactively investing in clean technologies — electrification, hydrogen, carbon capture, and biofuels — positioning sustainability at the heart of their long-term strategies,” he said in an APEC News Alert.
Shan cited the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable fuels pushing the transportation sector toward a low-carbon future, also among the key forces driving the rapid transformation of the world’s energy systems.
“With more EVs on the roads and the growing adoption of alternative fuels such as biodiesel, sustainable available fuel, and green hydrogen, fossil fuel dependency is beginning to wane. Experts predict that we may soon reach “peak oil demand”, signaling a fundamental shift in the way economies power mobility and commerce,” he added.
Shan said artificial intelligence (AI) is also reshaping how electricity is managed, making power grids more flexible and efficient while optimizing energy consumption across industries.
To power the future with AI-driven energy innovation, Shan said, the digitalization of energy management is opening new possibilities for efficiency and innovation.
“AI-driven analytics are helping economies optimize energy consumption, manage demand fluctuations, and improve grid stability,” he added.
Recognizing these accelerating trends, Shan said other priority areas for APEC member economies are expanding clean electricity through utilizing carbon-free energy technologies, and strengthening grid security for stable and reliable energy supply.
The cooperative, multilateral economic and trade forum underscored the important role of integrated energy mix that includes nuclear power, battery storage systems, low-carbon hydrogen, and abatement and removal technologies such as carbon capture technologies.