Asia’s energy transition is entering a new phase of maturity, shaped by rising electricity demand, shifting supply-chains and governments accelerating long-term decarbonisation plans. In 2024 Asia accounted for about 71 % of all new global renewable-energy capacity added.
Investment Patterns Across Key Asian Markets
Southeast Asia and Australia remain major destinations for capital, supported by regulatory reforms and strong demand forecasts. Electricity consumption in Southeast Asia alone is expected to rise by around 4% annually to 2035, driven by industrial growth and rapid urbanisation.
Investment into renewables, LNG-import infrastructure and transmission upgrades continues to grow across the region, supported by sustained interest from private capital and strategic investors. Southeast Asia and Australia are attracting particular attention as regulatory reforms and demand growth create space for new large-scale developments. Japan and South Korea remain steady markets for investors seeking predictable cash flow and a robust pipeline of grid and storage projects.
Energy Majors and Private Capital Refocusing in Asia
Reportedly, an increasing number of international energy companies and private capital firms are reassessing their regional portfolios. Divestments of non-core assets are creating opportunities for secondary-market activity, while investors are showing increased interest in portfolios that blend mature assets with those at earlier development stages. There is also renewed focus on energy storage, flexible generation and infrastructure supporting data-centre expansion, all of which are becoming central to project development strategies.
Market Pressures, New Challenges
However, the market is far from straightforward. In Southeast Asia, electricity demand is expected to rise by about 4 % annually to 2035, pushing regional demand above 2,000 TWh from current levels of roughly 1,300 TWh. Tariff uncertainty in many jurisdictions influences valuation, due diligence and risk allocation. Supply-chain pressures and changing trade policies add new layers of complexity to project structuring. Transactions are taking longer to execute and valuation gaps between buyers and sellers are becoming more common. In Australia and other markets, permitting timelines and grid-connection constraints continue to influence deal appetite. From what we’ve observed, lawyers across the region are being asked to navigate increasingly intricate commercial, regulatory and geopolitical considerations.
Specialist Lawyers Remain in High Demand
As sponsors and lenders require clear advice on risk allocation, bankability and structuring, project development and project finance lawyers remain in high demand. Corporate lawyers are needed to manage joint development platforms and portfolio acquisitions. Regulatory specialists are critical as governments refine permitting, foreign investment and energy market rules. As energy systems evolve, legal teams with deep regional knowledge and experience across the full project lifecycle are becoming indispensable.
Asia’s energy transition is accelerating, and the projects market is becoming more complex and more legally demanding. We work with global law firms and in-house teams that require lawyers who can operate confidently across this rapidly changing landscape.
If you would like to discuss current opportunities with us, do get in touch to arrange a confidential chat.
