Australian manufacturers with capabilities in renewable energy technologies, grid solutions and specialist engineering are being encouraged to explore opportunities in South Asia, with Austrade highlighting growing demand across the region as countries accelerate their energy transition.
The call comes after Austrade recently led a series of South Asian export strategy workshops, delivered with Trade Diversification Network members Austmine and the Smart Energy Council, state and territory governments, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The workshops focused on connecting Australian businesses with opportunities across agribusiness, technology, health, green energy and infrastructure.
According to Austrade’s South Asia Trade and Investment Commissioner for Green Economy, Murray Spence, South Asia’s expanding renewable energy sector presents opportunities beyond equipment exports, particularly in areas where Australian expertise aligns with the region’s needs.
“Australia’s expertise in grid integration, battery storage, digital utilities, hydrogen pathways, standards and project development aligns closely with the region’s priorities,” Spence said.
“The opportunity for Australia is therefore much bigger than exporting equipment. It is about becoming a trusted partner in one of the world’s most significant energy transitions.”
Austrade said South Asia, home to almost a quarter of the world’s population, is becoming a major centre for energy demand and economic growth. India has emerged as the world’s third-largest renewable energy market and is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030.
Spence said the next phase of India’s transition would create opportunities in battery energy storage systems, grid modernisation, digital energy management, transmission infrastructure, hydrogen and critical minerals.
“Where advanced technology, specialist engineering and operational expertise are required, Australian companies are particularly well positioned. Our value proposition is not competing on cost – but helping solve complex energy-system challenges,” he said.
Austrade also outlined opportunities across neighbouring markets, describing India as a large-scale market for renewable energy investment and manufacturing partnerships, Bangladesh as a market with growing demand for renewable energy deployment and industrial decarbonisation, and Sri Lanka as focusing on grid resilience and long-term energy security.
Spence said many Australian businesses underestimated the pace and scale of opportunities in South Asia.
“Whether in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, mobility or manufacturing, South Asia operates at a scale that can fundamentally change the growth trajectory of Australian firms,” he said.
He added that companies were more likely to succeed by developing long-term partnerships rather than relying solely on exports.
Austrade said government initiatives, including the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, the Australia-India Renewable Energy Partnership, trade missions and business-matching services, are intended to support exporters seeking to diversify into the region.
The agency also pointed to its proposed third Clean Energy Delegation to South Asia, covering Dhaka and Delhi from 22 to 27 October 2026, as an opportunity for Australian companies to engage with potential customers and commercial partners.
Spence said collaboration would be central to capturing future opportunities.
“My key message would be simple: South Asia is not just a market to sell into, it’s a market to partner with,” he said.
“The energy transition is one of the largest economic transformations of our generation. South Asia will be a major part of that story and Australian businesses should view the region as a long-term growth partner.”
