For utilities, independent power producers (IPPs), and industrial users in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the energy transition is a regulatory imperative and an operational challenge. With growing demand and mounting pressure to decarbonize, energy producers and large users are rethinking their approach to power generation, flexibility, and resilience.

“There's no single solution that can address the complexities of the energy transition,” said Leon Jansen van Vuuren, VP Global Regions for INNIO Group’s Jenbacher brand, in an interview with Enlit Asia. “A balanced and resilient energy future will rely on a mix of resources, such as gas and renewables, intelligently managed through an integrated energy system.”

Decentralized Gas Engines and Digitalized Systems

Decentralized gas engines and digitalized systems are increasingly important, offering firm, flexible power that can scale and support grid operations. INNIO’s Jenbacher engine platforms are designed with this flexibility in mind.

“Our Jenbacher solutions help ASEAN customers produce reliable power based on a variety of sustainable fuels,” Jansen van Vuuren said. “We also offer our engines as ready for hydrogen, providing this crucial flexibility in ASEAN, where grid conditions, fuel availability, and infrastructure constraints vary widely.”

Distributed Power for Diverse Applications

Microgrids are becoming more attractive for utilities and industries, both in off-grid areas and for embedded reliability in mission-critical environments. “The demand for resilient, sustainable, and intelligent energy solutions is driving a shift toward decentralized generation,” Jansen van Vuuren told Enlit Asia.

“These localized clusters of distributed energy resources and loads can operate independently or in parallel with the main grid,” he explained. “This is particularly valuable in applications where uninterrupted power is critical: hospitals, data centers, islands, or remote communities.”

As operators seek to reduce emissions while maintaining reliability, gas-powered systems offer a viable alternative to diesel. “Gas is a cleaner fuel compared to diesel with up to 95% less NOx emissions and significantly lower CO₂ emissions,” Jansen van Vuuren said. “This can be further reduced with climate-neutral gases such as biogas and CO₂-free gases like hydrogen.”

Digital Platforms for Performance and Predictability

Digital oversight is becoming essential for asset owners and operators, helping to reduce unplanned outages, extend maintenance cycles, and increase fuel efficiency.

Over 13,000 engines globally are now connected to INNIO’s myplant digital system in more than 100 countries worldwide. They process more than 1.57 trillion data points annually.

Local Case Study: Waste-to-Energy in Thailand

A practical example in ASEAN is Thailand’s New Diamond Starch Company, which operates three Jenbacher engines on biogas recovered from wastewater. “It’s roughly 3 megawatts of electrical power, meeting local electricity needs and selling excess power back to the local grid,” said Jansen van Vuuren.

For industrial users with high energy needs and waste streams, such systems offer lower emissions, long-term operating savings, and energy independence.

Data Centers, Grid Stress, and On-Site Power

As grid stress rises in urban areas, data centers across ASEAN are reassessing how to guarantee uptime. “Strained local grids may struggle to keep up,” Jansen van Vuuren noted. “Many data centers are seeking on-site power supply solutions.”

Jenbacher engines can support both prime and backup power use cases, offering flexibility as operational needs change.

Built for Now, and the Future

ASEAN is expected to see some of the world’s fastest energy demand growth, making transition planning a priority for utilities and industrial players. INNIO sees four key areas where its solutions can contribute: flexible gas-based systems, biogas utilization, digital optimization, and hydrogen readiness.

“ASEAN’s abundant agricultural and organic waste creates strong potential,” Jansen van Vuuren said. “Our latest Jenbacher engine innovations boost energy efficiency while operating on renewable fuel such as biogas. With their ability to operate on 100% hydrogen, our Jenbacher engines can meet the industry’s needs now and in the future.”

This combination of fuel flexibility and future-proofing offers risk mitigation as fuel mixes evolve and policy frameworks tighten. “Our ‘Ready-for-H₂’ gas engines can be converted to operate on up to 100% hydrogen gas at any time, so you don’t need to change the asset that you install today,” he explained.

For operators balancing near-term reliability with long-term sustainability goals, this adaptability is key, especially in a region where infrastructure and regulations are developing at different speeds.

“Overall, these innovations position INNIO as a strong contributor to ASEAN’s transition to a low carbon and even a zero-carbon future,” Jansen van Vuuren concluded.

INNIO will return to Enlit Asia in Bangkok this September to showcase new developments and engage with regional stakeholders shaping the future of power.