Driving Regional Decarbonization: A Recap of the Twinning Matchmaking Forum

Mt. Stonegate recently participated in the Decarbonization Twinning for Southeast Asia - Regional Matchmaking Forum, held on 9-10 February 2026 at the Mercure Sabang Hotel in Jakarta. This is a program of UNOPS, Organized by the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) and Asia Clean Energy Partners, the forum served as a critical platform for the Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx).

The event brought together industry leaders and solution providers to bridge the gap between decarbonization theory and practical, bankable investment projects across the ASEAN region.

Day 1: Identifying Solutions and Bridging Gaps

The forum kicked off with a high-level overview of industrial and sub-national decarbonization trends in Southeast Asia. A central theme was the "Twinning" concept, which aims to pair organizations to design and execute specific investment projects.

Key highlights of the first day included:

• Solutions Fishbowls: Interactive sessions focused on immediate technologies, including efficiency in thermal and electrical loads, renewable power procurement (solar and PPAs), and nature-based solutions. One important takeaway from the energy efficiency session was that companies do not always need to adopt entirely new technologies to achieve meaningful reductions. Instead, optimizing existing processes and initiating incremental operational improvements can drive steady progress toward decarbonization.

• Lightning Pitches: Solution providers delivered rapid-fire presentations on innovative tools to help participants address their specific carbon challenges

• Sector-Based Strategy: Working sessions allowed participants to explore shared challenges with peers and begin shaping preliminary twinning concepts. During these sessions, Mt. Stonegate actively engaged with stakeholders across multiple industries, including food and beverage, real estate, and textiles, to discuss practical and effective decarbonization pathways.

Figure 1. Solution Fishbowl on RE Power Procurement and Nature Based and Carbon Solutions | Source: Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership

Day 2: From Ideas to Implementation

The second day shifted focus toward the "how-to" of project delivery, specifically addressing the requirements for bankability. Discussions highlighted that financiers are not only looking for strong sustainability narratives, but also clear data, measurable performance indicators, and well-defined project structures, especially for SMEs seeking access to capital. Through the implementation fishbowls, participants explored the real-world challenges of execution, including technical readiness, commercial arrangements such as ESCO contracts and leasing models, as well as the often-complex process of navigating local permits and stakeholder engagement. The forum concluded with sector-based action planning sessions, where participants translated key learnings into realistic next steps and identified potential pathways for continued collaboration beyond the event.

Conclusion: Turning Dialogue into Decarbonization

The Jakarta forum was more than just a meeting of minds; it served as a roadmap for the "State of Play" in Southeast Asia, moving from initial twinning concepts to the gritty details of project execution and financial reporting. By focusing on technology selection and establishing the "twins" necessary to scale solutions, the event provided a clear framework for reporting progress and creating models for future replication.

For Mt. Stonegate, the conclusion of the forum marks the beginning of a new phase of implementation. As we transition from these strategic workshops back to the field, our focus remains on turning these collaborative frameworks into tangible emissions reductions. The energy transition in Southeast Asia is no longer a distant goal but it is a practical, bankable reality that we are building alongside our regional partners, one "twin" at a time.