Transition to low emissions coal an efficient strategy for reducing greenhouse gas: Report

Investing in low emissions coal plants in Southeast Asia is one of the most efficient strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region, according to a new report by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the World Coal Association (WCA).

ACE said in a statement Wednesday that the report, ASEAN?s Energy Equation - the role of low emission coal in driving a sustainable energy future, is a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of climate and energy policies, and sustainable development opportunities that cleaner coal technologies provide to a region that is looking to coal to fuel its growing economy.

Climate finance for low emissions coal would reduce emissions equivalent to 1.3 billion tons in the next 20 years, a reduction equivalent to annual emissions from China, the United States and the EU - the top three CO2 emitters- combined, the report said.

This action is expected to accelerate the achievement of global climate objectives without sacrificing economic and social development needs in the region.

?It is important to inject realism into the debate on how to reduce emissions across Asia. There is no question that cleaner coal is the lowest cost option among all available low-carbon technologies in ASEAN- a region that is rapidly urbanizing and industrializing. Coal is forecast to be an essential part of ASEAN?s economic growth. This reality means that it is only logical that the rapidly industrializing and urbanizing economies of Asia that are choosing to use coal do so with the lowest emissions technologies,? WCA Chief Executive Benjamin Sporton said in the statement.

?According to the 4th ASEAN Energy Outlook, ASEAN?s energy demand is expected to grow by 2.7 times in the next two decades, and coal continues to be a major contributor in our energy mix (ACE, 2016),? noted ACE Executive Director, Sanjayan Velautham.

?With about 100 million people without electricity, the delivery of affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity is crucial to ASEAN?s predicted economic growth. That?s why, we at ACE believe that viable modern coal technologies are essential in ensuring that coal is used in a sustainable way that will balance both the economic needs and climate commitments. Collaborative efforts support ASEAN to make informed decisions on energy policies,? he added.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak