According to the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook, energy demand in ASEAN is projected to nearly triple from 2022 levels by 2050, driven by GDP and population growth. To ensure energy security and sustainability, diversifying the energy supply – particularly through low-carbon and emerging technologies – has become increasingly critical. In this context, hydrogen is emerging as a viable option for the region due to its natural abundance, high gravimetric energy density, and various production methods. It can also serve as an energy carrier and storage medium, especially when converted into ammonia.

Ammonia utilisation is already established in ASEAN, particularly in the fertiliser, oil, and gas industries. According to a 2024 ERIA report, ASEAN’s total ammonia demand in 2021 was around 3.7 million tonnes. Both hydrogen and ammonia are gaining recognition for their potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as industry, transportation, and power generation.

Several ASEAN Member States – namely Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Viet Nam – have announced national hydrogen strategies and roadmaps to drive further development. Pilot projects are already underway in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Sarawak, and Viet Nam, while other countries like the Philippines and Thailand are considering hydrogen adoption in their national energy policies.

To support this momentum, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), with ERIA's support, launched the ASEAN Low-Carbon Energy Technologies Roadmap (ALERT) Phase I. This initiative assesses the potential of hydrogen and ammonia in the region and outlines a phased development plan:

• Short term (2025–2030): Focus on enhancing regional collaboration, establishing a Hydrogen Alliance, attracting private investment to de-risk projects, expanding use in hard-to-abate sectors, and setting handling standards.
• Medium term (2031–2040): Prioritise scaling up hydrogen and ammonia production and expanding their use in transportation and power sectors, as the market matures.
• Long term (2041–2050): Emphasise regional trading, broader application in process heat, and positioning hydrogen as a pillar of energy security.

Finally, integrating these actions into the next phase of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Co-operation (APAEC) will be essential to accelerate hydrogen and ammonia deployment across the region.