The Asia Climate Finance Podcast

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Asia has no shortage of climate ambition. What it still struggles with is turning that ambition into capital. Over the past eight years, Yvonne Huang of Earth & Life Symbio has watched this gap play out, and she's less interested in the ESG deck presented in the boardroom than in what actually changes on the factory floor on Monday morning. In this conversation she explains why green steel is no longer a technology question but a question of who will buy it and at what price, and why reaching net zero means little...

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Why do we act on almost every crisis except climate change? In this episode, Frederic Samama, pioneer of the first low-carbon indices and co-author of the BIS Green Swan report, unpacks the psychology and finance behind our inaction. He walks through real cases, from decarbonising pension portfolios and loyalty shares that reward patient capital, to a green bond fund that crowded private money into emerging market infrastructure with the IFC and World Bank. For anyone working in climate finance, sustainable investment, or green infrastructure across Asia and beyond, this is a sharp...

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Sustainable construction costs under 1% more to build. So why are developers and investors still hesitating? Green building pioneer Armelle Le Bihan joins the show to explain how climate resilience is reshaping property development and bankability across Thailand, Vietnam and Mongolia. That includes a $570 million Green Climate Fund and Asian Development Bank project in Ulaanbaatar. She explains why banks and insurers, not developers, are now driving the shift, and why unprotected assets are becoming uninsurable. She also breaks down what Thailand's Climate Change Act, expected to take effect in 2027, means for anyone financing...

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Chan Yau Chong, leading thought-leader and co-founder of Climate Finance Asia, reveals why Hong Kong's solar revolution hasn't scaled and exposes the uncomfortable truth about Asian investors' grip on coal. We unpack the real barriers to Asia's energy transition: from fiduciary duty rhetoric masking climate inaction to the policy gaps holding back coal phase-out across Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Discover how climate finance can accelerate the shift from coal to renewables when institutions finally align investment with genuine impact.

REF.: Climate Finance Asia insights and reports. 

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Is India's net zero push real, or just clever PR? Arun Kumar of Asia Research and Engagement joins the podcast to explain why the greenwashing era is ending and why decarbonisation now wins on cost, not sentiment. We dig into the hard-to-abate sectors, green steel and cement, alongside power, coal, renewables, carbon markets, corporate PPAs and how Indian banks are pricing climate transition risk. Essential listening for anyone in climate finance, energy transition and sustainable investment across India and the wider Asia Pacific.

Ref.: Asia Research and Engagement Group, ARE's...

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Global carmakers are currently hiding a massive 33% carbon gap, effectively operating as oil companies in disguise. Ben Scott from Carbon Tracker joins us to reveal why legacy auto giants face a "Kodak moment" as they lag behind the electric vehicle transition. We explore how China’s EV dominance empowers the Global South to leapfrog fossil fuel dependency for strategic industrial survival. This conversation is essential for those interested in tracking how capital markets will soon reprice these hidden emissions as high-risk energy liabilities.

Reference: Oil Companies in Disguise

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Summer Bae from Cleantech Group joins us to reveal how the Asia Pacific cleantech market is finally moving from hype to solid business proof. We dive into the "two valleys of death" for hardware startups and the urgent need for catalytic capital to bridge the regional funding gap. We explore how AI accelerates hardware breakthroughs and why the global focus has shifted from net-zero targets to energy security and resilience. Professionals in climate finance and business will gain vital insights into navigating institutional roadblocks and scaling frontier innovation across APAC.

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China's carbon market is already the world's largest, and it's about to get far more complex. Leading market expert Jeff Huang has a front-row seat to what's coming: absolute emissions caps replacing the old intensity targets, carbon auctioning arriving in steel, cement and aluminium, and Hong Kong quietly positioning itself as the trading hub that connects all of it to global markets. If you're watching how carbon pricing shapes capital flows and CBAM compliance, this episode is worth your time.

Reference: AEX Holdings. Op-ed sample - Beyond critical...

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In this episode, Tan Chong Yee, Chief Financial Officer of FlyORO Technologies, joins us to unpack the critical logistics and funding mechanisms needed to scale sustainable aviation fuel across the Asia-Pacific region. We explore how innovative distributed blending infrastructure solves last-mile supply chain bottlenecks and helps bend the jet fuel cost curve. Climate finance and business professionals will gain valuable insights into derisking capital execution, navigating fragmented regional policies, and structuring bankable corporate offtake agreements. Tune in to discover how the aviation industry is transforming high-risk climate bets into essential, scalable energy...

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Cooling is responsible for 15 per cent of global emissions and uses nearly two thirds of the electricity in commercial buildings. In this episode, Sam Ringwaldt from Conry Tech explains how modular micro units can cut cooling energy by 70 per cent and increase asset valuations by 18 per cent. We explore the rise of Comfort as a Service, the next generation of deep‑tech retrofits, and what this means for commercial buildings and AI data centres across the Asia Pacific region. It is a clear and practical look at why energy efficiency is becoming a...

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Our guest is Nana Li, a stewardship expert who's just written a handbook on navigating sustainability across Asia Pacific. She walks us through why the money decisions happening in Asia actually shape global sustainability, not the other way around.

We explore how China's state-led approach and Japan's demographic crisis are forcing real innovation in automation and energy transition. You'll get insights into why "guanxi" and energy security matter more than most Western playbooks suggest.

If you're working, or are interested, in Asia's climate finance space, there's genuine value...

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China has emerged as the global clean tech leader through a national mandate for ecological progress and massive investments in solar, wind, and battery technology. Policy expert Christine Loh joins the show to explore China's transition away from coal and Hong Kong’s ambitious push for carbon neutrality by 2050. Listeners will gain vital insights into the future of green finance, including sourcing "deep green" materials like green steel and using climate science for insurance risk assessment. This episode provides an essential guide to the technical innovations and building retrofitting projects currently transforming th...

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ASEAN requires a staggering $280 billion annually to meet its clean energy targets, placing the mobilisation of global capital at the heart of the regional agenda. In this episode, Dinita Setywati and Alnie Demoral, two experts from the energy think tank Ember explain why a modernised power grid is the essential backbone for Southeast Asia’s green transition. You will learn how to de-risk renewable energy projects and evaluate competing financing models from China, Japan, and the US. Discover how better regional coordination and multidisciplinary education can bridge the investment gap to secure As...

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Jo Richardson, head of research at the Anthropocene Fixed Income Institute, explains why the global debt market holds more power over climate transition than the stock market. Of the world’s 100 largest emitters are responsible for 75% of all emissions, but only 30 are listed on the stock market, yet all have debt outstanding. This reality gives fixed income investors unique influence over governments and private companies through the cost of capital.

This episode investigates the surge in Catastrophe Bonds and Insurance Linked Securities. These niche instruments areveal what the market actually th...

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How is AI turning climate reporting from a tick‑box task into something useful? Greg Elders from Canbury Insights explains why financial materiality sits back at the heart of climate strategy. He shows how this shift affects investors, regulators and companies.

We examine Europe pushing for real sustainable impact under CSRD, the US facing ESG uncertainty and mixed signals from regulators, and Asian firms juggling ISSB and TCFD standards while dealing with regional economic pressures.

Greg sets out how large language models read annual reports, proxy statements and lo...

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Unlock the secrets of solar bankability in this episode with Harsh Goenka from Solargis, a leading solar data and software provider. We explore how high-quality satellite data and AI-driven forecasting reduce investment risk and manage weather variability. Discover how precise resource assessment helps grid operators transition from coal to reliable, base-load renewable energy by optimising battery storage. Learn why accurate solar data is the essential "fuel" for scaling climate finance and navigating extreme weather risks like hailstorms in emerging markets.

ABOUT HARSH: Harsh Goenka is the Regional Sales...

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Host Joseph Jacobelli welcomes Mike Thomas, leading energy economist and founder of The Lantau Group (TLG), for their annual review and 2026 outlook. Mike argues that we have reached a historic tipping point where solar-plus-battery hybrids are now cost-competitive with traditional gas and coal, often without requiring a premium for base-load-style power.
The conversation dives deep into the "strategic pivot" in China that has led to a global battery fire sale, the surge in data centre demand in hubs like Johor, and the counter-intuitive risks posed by government-run green energy auctions. Mike...

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This special year‑end episode of Asia Climate Finance unpacks the three defining themes that shaped the energy transition in 2025. Joseph Jacobelli explores the ratchet effect driving unstoppable momentum, Asia’s emergence as a global rule shaper, and the rise of blended finance models unlocking capital for clean energy. He also highlights major trends from AI‑driven electricity demand to the return of nuclear, nature as infrastructure, and new breakthroughs in hard‑to‑abate sectors. A concise, insight‑rich wrap‑up for anyone tracking climate finance, energy markets, and the transition across Asia Pacific.<...

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Asia's climate finance landscape is evolving rapidly. In our discussion, our guest,  KPMG's Ha Do, explores how Asian governments are shifting from policy ambitions to concrete implementation, the climate finance mechanisms proving most effective in mobilising capital, and why state-owned enterprises remain at mid-stage ESG maturity. We examine green public-private partnerships, regulatory convergence around global standards, and why Asia is increasingly positioned to shape, rather than follow, global climate finance architecture.

ABOUT HA: Ha leads the Government and Public Sector, and IDAS practice for KPMG in the Asia P...

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Stephen Edkins, CEO of Koya Nuclear, examines how TRISO fuel and small modular reactors could reshape Asia’s decarbonisation pathways. The discussion explains what TRISO is, why its high-temperature resilience and safety profile matter, and how it changes the economics of SMR projects. Stephen also explores government policy, financing hurdles, supply-chain needs, and why he expects a significant SMR build-out once a handful of designs reach commercial scale in the 2030s.

ABOUT STEPHEN: Stephen Edkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Koya Nuclear, a company that focuses on pr...

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Explore the powerful links between climate, health, and development. Hear from Dr Vera Siesjö how the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank is tackling health challenges in Asia and beyond. Discover how climate change, digital innovation, and infrastructure investment shape health for millions. Learn why a healthy planet means healthier lives.

REF: INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PLANETARY HEALTH

ABOUT VERA: Vera Siesjö is a global health leader with nearly two decades of international experience advancing planetary health, health systems transformation, and sustainable development. At the Asian Infrastructure Investment Ba...

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Discover how nature itself is becoming the new infrastructure shaping our future. In this episode, experts from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank reveal how wetlands, mangroves, and forests are not just scenery but powerful tools for climate resilience and sustainable economic growth. We discuss innovative finance solutions mobilising private capital, the challenges of valuing natural assets, and why protecting nature is critical for survival, economics, and smart planning.

REF: INVESTING IN NATURE AS INFRASTRUCTURE

ABOUT ERIK: Erik Berglof is the Bank’s inaugural Chief Ec...

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Fuel your understanding of climate finance and energy transition. Join Woochong Um, CEO of the Global Energy Alliance, as he reveals how bold partnerships and innovative financing are powering global clean energy solutions. Discover real-world stories of impact, scaling technologies, and breaking down barriers to a greener future. Tune in to unlock the future of sustainable development.

GEAPP REPORT: Impact Report 2025

ABOUT WOOCHONG: Woochong Um is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). Following a distinguished career...

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We talk to Kingsmill Bond, energy strategist at Ember, sharing insights from his latest report, "The Electrotech Revolution". Discover how new energy technologies are transforming economies and geopolitics, with a special focus on Asia's rapid clean energy advancements. Tune in to explore the future of power systems, investment shifts, and what it means for a sustainable world.

REF: The Electrotech Revolution; Electricity Data Explorer; Ember.

ABOUT Kingsmill: Kingsmill Bond, CFA is an energy strategist for Ember. He has worked as a financial market analyst and strategist...

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How do you scale green hydrogen from a laboratory curiosity to industrial reality? Alexander Tancock, CEO of Intercontinental Energy, reveals the breakthrough P2H2 Node system that’s turning massive renewable projects into factory-produced “Lego blocks.”

With numerous projects across three continents and backing from strong financial partners, Intercontinental Energy isn’t just making green hydrogen—they’re creating green iron to decarbonise steel production and building new trade corridors between Australia’s vast renewable resources and Asia’s industrial heartlands.

Alex shares why the hydrogen hype faded, how government p...

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Joseph Jacobelli and Toby Chan unpack the dynamic landscape of climate tech investing in Asia. The discussion highlights current VC trends, financing gaps, and the transition from emerging tech to mainstream infrastructure, with case studies from maritime and aviation. Discover why Asia is gaining ground amid US policy shifts and how policy, capital, and supply chains are driving change in the region.

ABOUT TOBY: Toby is a co-founder of Audacy Ventures Limited, focused on catalysing and scaling decarbonisation technologies critical to the energy transition post his prior career...

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This episode dives deep into Australia's position as an emerging leader in the green hydrogen market, exploring both the immense potential and current challenges facing the industry. Nick Smith, a leading expert, shares insights from his unique perspective spanning corporate, government, and advisory roles, discussing major projects like the 1.8 million tonne Murchison Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia and the infrastructure developments reshaping the sector. The conversation covers critical topics including cost reduction strategies, safety considerations, financing models, and the shift from export-focused to domestic market applications. With China controlling 80% of global...

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Southeast Asia's energy transition faces a critical challenge: information fragmentation. With hundreds of projects, billions in investments, and countless stakeholders working across the region, coordination has been nearly impossible - until now. In this episode, we explore SIPET (Southeast Asia Information Platform for the Energy Transition), an open-source platform. Our guest, Maximilian Heil from GIZ, reveals how this innovative tool maps nearly 500 energy projects representing over $45 billion in investments across 10 ASEAN countries. We dive deep into the platform's three core tools - the knowledge hub, project mapping database, and power sector resources...

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In this episode, Joseph converses with Srini Nagarajan, who heads Asia for British International Investment (BII). BII is the UK’s development finance institution. It is focused on investing in sustainable infrastructure and businesses in developing countries to promote economic growth and support the UK's development goals. Between 2022 and 2026, BII plans to allocate at least 30% of its total new commitments by value to climate finance. It already has investments in almost 1,500 businesses across 65 countries in emerging economies, with total assets exceeding $10.9 billion. The conversation covers the critical role of financial institutions in As...

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Banle Group’s Venus Zhao discusses how CBL International is revolutionising the maritime industry through sustainable biofuels. Its B24 biofuel blend reduces GHG emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional marine fuels. With operations across 60+ global ports and recent ISCC certifications, CBL is positioned to capitalise on the projected 50% growth in the green marine fuel market despite current supply constraints. Venus outlines how tightening IMO regulations are accelerating industry-wide sustainability adoption and shares CBL's vision to lead the maritime sector's transition towards net-zero emissions through diversification into biofuels, LNG and methanol.
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