Asia-Pacific Energy Daily: March 10, 2026

Here is your summary of the critical stories and trends defining the energy landscape across Asia-Pacific today.

1. Geopolitical Crisis: APAC Braces for Oil Shock

Energy security has surged to the top of the regional agenda as crude oil prices approached $120 per barrel following Middle Eastern supply disruptions and key shipping route closures.

• Regional Response: South Korea is considering domestic fuel price caps and expanding its 100 trillion won stabilization program. Thailand has suspended petroleum product exports and tripled mandatory reserves for traders (from 1% to 3%).

• The "Risk Trade": Analysts warn that the crisis is making shipping insurance and route security as critical as supply. China is increasingly looking to Russian overland pipelines and Canadian Pacific-facing infrastructure as "energy shock absorbers."

• Source: China Daily, University of Alberta/TCI

2. Renewables: China Leads Record-Breaking Wind Growth

A new report from BloombergNEF reveals that global wind capacity additions reached an all-time high of 169 GW in 2025, with Chinese manufacturers now dominating the global supply chain.

• Market Dominance: For the first time, Chinese turbine makers claimed the top six spots in global market share rankings. Goldwind remained number one (29.3 GW), followed by Envision (20.9 GW).

• Historical Milestone: Mainland China became the first market to add over 100 GW of wind in a single year, driven by a rush to commission projects ahead of upcoming power market reforms.

• Source: BloombergNEF

3. Storage & Infrastructure: New Mandates in the Philippines

As the region integrates more variable renewable energy, governments are shifting from merely encouraging energy storage to mandating its inclusion in new projects.

• Philippines Policy: The Department of Energy now requires all new renewable plants of 10 MW or larger to integrate battery energy storage systems (BESS) capable of handling at least 20% of the plant's capacity. This ensures grid stability as the country scales its clean energy generation.

• Source: Eco-Business

4. Technology Spotlight: AI and High-Efficiency Cooling

The energy transition is increasingly intersecting with the AI-driven data center boom across Asia.

• High-Efficiency Cooling: Trane launched the HSAG air-cooled magnetic bearing chiller specifically for the APAC market. The unit uses oil-free levitation technology to improve energy efficiency by 10-20% and is designed to operate in extreme ambient temperatures up to 52°C—a critical requirement for South Asia's digital infrastructure.

• AI in Mineral Exploration: Industry leaders at APAC Energy Transition Week noted that AI is shortening the cycle from mineral exploration to volume discovery from six years to just two or three years.

• Source: Digitimes, Wood Mackenzie