New international project to boost renewable energy trade and standards

A new international project, International Standards Cooperation in Renewable, Green and Clean Energy, is underway to support the growth of renewable energy across Southeast Asia, helping countries in our region work together to adopt global standards and unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.

Supporting the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA)Agreement, the initiative brings together Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN Member States (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar) to explore how international standards can accelerate the shift to cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal and battery storage systems and minimise the impacts of human activity on the environment.

In 2024, AANZFTA countries traded over USD 61.4 billion in clean, green, and renewable energy-related products — with battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar technologies leading both imports and exports. The region recorded a USD 5.6 billion trade surplus in this sector, highlighting strong momentum and opportunity (read more via the link provided at the bottom of this page).

The project will share insights from across the region, examine barriers to harmonisation of standards and discuss opportunities to utilise standards to create a more predictable, transparent and less risky environment for investors in renewable energy technologies across the region. By aligning approaches, AANZFTA countries can attract more investment in these technologies and better contribute to sustainable development.

Key activities include:

• A research report outlining the renewable energy standards landscape across the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area
• A series of virtual workshops showcasing real-world examples, challenges and opportunities in adopting and harmonising international standards to enhance trade and investment in renewable technologies
• A regional in-person workshop in Singapore to further explore how standards can support the energy transition through in-person presentations, group activities and contributions
• A final report with practical recommendations on how AANZFTA countries can continue to cooperate in standards harmonisation

Participants will gain insights into the role of standards in renewable energy, connect with experts and peers, and contribute to shaping future cooperation across the region.

This project is a step forward in building a more connected and sustainable energy future for ASEAN, Australian, and New Zealand economies.

‍