The global pursuit of carbon neutrality has brought significant attention to Asia, a region that contributes more than half of the world's emissions. As the engine of the global economy, Asia, particularly the ASEAN region, faces the challenge of balancing rapid economic growth with the urgent need for decarbonisation. This challenge is exacerbated by factors such as rapid urbanization, population surges, and increasing disposable incomes, all of which drive up energy demand.

In response to these challenges, the Asia Zero Emission Community was inaugurated by 11 partner countries in 2023. This community aims to achieve carbon neutrality/net-zero emissions through practical energy transitions tailored to each country's unique circumstances in Asia. The AZEC promotes co-operation under the concept of 'one goal, various pathways,' recognising the diverse industrial structures, social contexts, geographies, and developmental stages of its partner countries. The AZEC's approach is centred on simultaneously achieving a triple breakthrough: decarbonisation, economic growth, and energy security. This holistic strategy acknowledges the need for a paradigm shift towards both established and novel clean technologies across sectors.

In accordance with the invitation by the AZEC Leaders in December 2023, ERIA launched the Asia Zero Emission Center in August 2024, as a platform to share information, conduct studies on policies and projects, and support AZEC partner countries develop vision, roadmaps, or policies towards decarbonisation to promote energy transitions