At Enlit Asia 2025, it became clear that ASEAN is not rapidly transitioning away from thermal generation; instead, existing assets are being re-engineered to operate under increasingly complex grid conditions.

This is creating targeted opportunities; from lifecycle extension of coal and gas plants to flexibility upgrades for improved cycling and ramping, heat-rate optimisation, fuel-flexible and hydrogen/ammonia-ready systems, and the deployment of asset intelligence and predictive maintenance technologies.

This briefing explores how thermal generation is evolving across ASEAN and where asset owners and technology providers can enhance flexibility, efficiency, and resilience. Enlit Asia 2026 will bring together utilities, IPPs, and solution providers working to redefine the role of thermal assets in a more dynamic and constrained power system.