KUALA LUMPUR: The global energy think tank FutureCoal has called on ASEAN to adopt a practical and technology-driven approach towards cleaner coal use through its Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS) concept.
FutureCoal chief executive Michelle Manook said affordable and reliable energy is vital for the region’s economic growth and job creation.
She noted that SCS seeks to advance responsible coal utilisation by deploying modern technologies that can reduce emissions, improve efficiency and unlock new value across the coal value chain.
“The goal is not to abandon resources but to use them responsibly, the framework is based on cooperation among governments, companies and communities to deliver secure, low-emission energy while ensuring economic growth,” she said at the Keynote Sessions 8: A Vision for Coal’s Future on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum here recently.
She pointed out that countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have demonstrated that reliable and affordable power is non-negotiable for growth, adding that ASEAN’s diverse economies need pragmatic energy policies.
She said FutureCoal first partnered with ASEAN Centre of Energy (ACE) in 2017 to promote awareness and data-driven understanding of coal’s role in regional development.
Two joint studies produced under this collaboration highlighted that investment in clean coal technologies can significantly cut emissions and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Furthermore, she noted that the SCS initiative promotes innovation across three pillars: pre-combustion, combustion and beyond-combustion, by integrating automation, digital monitoring, carbon capture and the conversion of coal by products into high-value materials such as carbon fibre, critical minerals and hydrogen-based fertilisers.
“Examples of innovation already in progress include China’s large-scale carbon capture projects, Japan’s ammonia co-firing technology and India’s coal gasification for value-added products.
“SCS reflects the ASEAN spirit of cooperation, diverse nation united by share purpose and pragmatic action,” she said.
Hence, she said FutureCoal looks forward to strengthening its partnership with ACE to deliver energy security, economic progress and environmental results for the region. – BERNAMA
