Data in the Global Oil and Gas Extraction Tracker and Asia Gas Tracker show one project already approved and thirteen other gas projects potentially reaching FID in 2025: five projects in Indonesia, two in Malaysia, four in Vietnam, one in Brunei, and one in Myanmar.
If all projects reach FID, the region would eventually tap more than 20 billion cubic meters of gas production annually, an 18% increase over current output, signaling a pivot for the region’s energy transition.
Reaching FID is a key part of a field’s development, when the decision is taken to sanction a project, essentially stating that it is deemed a worthwhile investment and the necessary permits and capital have been obtained.
But many of these projects have faced a history of delays, and significant uncertainty exists around the likely progress of these projects.
The projects are also located in ecologically-sensitive areas like the Coral Triangle and the Mekong Delta and could have significant negative impacts on the rich biodiversity found there.
Warda Ajaz, Project Manager for the Asia Gas Tracker, said, “New and expanded gas production in Southeast Asia threatens the region’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on it. New investment in gas will only entrench the industry and present a barrier to the development of renewables.
As the energy transition gains momentum, the viability of these stalled developments should be re-assessed. Rather than pursuing high-risk fossil fuel ventures, Southeast Asian governments have a critical opportunity to redirect investment toward clean, scalable energy systems that support economic resilience and align with global climate commitments.”
