  Let $X$ be a compact K\"ahler manifold and $D$ be a simple normal crossing
divisor on $X$ such that $K_X+D$ is big and nef. We first prove that the
singular K\"ahler--Einstein metric constructed by Berman--Guenancia is
almost-complete on $X \backslash D$ in the sense of Tian--Yau. In our second
main result, we establish the weak convergence of conic K\"ahler--Einstein
metrics of negative curvature to the above-mentioned metric when $K_X+D$ is
merely big, answering partly a recent question posed by Biquard--Guenancia.
Potentials of low energy play an important role in our approach.
