The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the World Coal Association (WCA) announced the new report ‘VALCOE’ on 14th September 2021. As coal will continue to play a crucial role in providing reliable and affordable energy in the ASEAN region well into the future, this report offers comprehensive qualitative and quantitative support for the accelerated development of clean coal technologies (CCT) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Moreover, this report provides recommendations for decision-makers in the ASEAN region to facilitate the most significant coal impact in the region, i.e. promote an inclusive ‘All fuels and all Technologies’ approach to energy generation, committing to rapidly scaling up HELE technologies and establishing a pathway towards CCUS, and ensuring adequate and diverse clean coal financing in the ASEAN region.

“As part of the partnership between ACE and the World Coal Association (WCA), we are proud to launch our joint report. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the energy security and sustainable development opportunities that CCT promotes in implementing APEC Phase II: 2021 – 2025 in facilitating the transition towards sustainable and lower emission development”, said Dr Nuki Agya Utama, the Executive Director of ACE.

Director of WCA, Michelle Manook, then added, “Coal has particular attributes to energy security as part of a balanced energy mix, which is relevant for ASEAN. And as part of our strategic partnership, this report acknowledges the regional availability of coal across ASEAN and also help build a sustainable utilisation of coal and strengthen ASEAN regional coal market through technology, innovation, and collaboration”.