Balancing Ambition and Reality: Insights from Enlit Asia 2025

This IDC Perspective discusses key takeaways from Enlit Asia 2025, which highlighted ASEAN's pragmatic energy transition, characterized by the need to balance decarbonization goals with operational realities. Key themes included AI scaling in utilities, grid modernization, and distributed energy solutions. Notable initiatives such as Indonesia's Green Enabling Supergrid and the Philippines' hybrid microgrids showcased progress. Technology adoption, policy reform, and regional collaboration were emphasized as critical enablers. Incremental steps in AI, smart grids, and renewable integration are shaping ASEAN's energy future while addressing reliability and affordability challenges."ASEAN's transition is less about bold leaps and more about disciplined execution - scaling AI, upgrading grids, and testing distributed models to keep pace with demand while edging steadily toward net zero," said Jean-Francois Segalotto, senior associate advisor, IDC Energy Insights.