Photo 1. The 22^nd AFOC Council Meeting Group Photo. Source: ACE

The 22^nd Annual Meeting of the ASEAN Forum on Coal (AFOC) Council convened in a hybrid format and hosted by the ASEAN Centre for Energy, gathering delegates from seven (7) ASEAN Member States (AMS): Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand, while Timor Leste participated as an observer.  The representatives of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute (GCCSI), Japan Carbon Frontier Organization (JCOAL), the ASEAN Secretariat, and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) also attended the meeting in the spirit of continuance commitment and collaboration.

Dato’ Ir. Ts. Abdul Razib Dawood, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Commission Malaysia and Chairman of AFOC opened the meeting with an emphasis on coal’s enduring relevance in ASEAN’s energy portfolio, even as the region grapples with climate change challenges. He stressed the critical role of clean coal technology (CCT) and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) in mitigating emissions and fostering sustainability within coal-dependent energy systems. Highlighting the recent surge in global coal consumption post-pandemic, he addressed the implications of stricter environmental regulations, the ASEAN  Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance on the coal industry, and the advocacy for the integration of digital solutions in the industry.

Photo 2. Dato’ Ir. Ts. Abdul Razib Dawood (left) and Dr Nuki Agya Utama (right) delivered Opening and Welcome Remarks

Dr Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, underscored coal’s vital role in driving economic growth and ensuring energy security in the region. He acknowledged the substantial financial investments required for transitioning to renewable energy and highlighted the necessity for gradual changes. Further, Dr Nuki emphasised the need to position coal appropriately within the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, balancing economic realities with environmental imperatives.

The Meeting discussed the accomplishments and progress of the AFOC in the implementation of CCT Programme Area activities under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase: 2021-2025, as well as discussed the onward strategies of the coal programme in APAEC Post 2025, in light of the pressing prominence of the energy transition.

Considering ASEAN’s cooperation with other international organisations on clean coal technology, a representative from the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Initiative (GCCSI) presented the progress and strategic plans for collaboration with ASEAN, particularly through the Southeast Asia CCS Accelerator (SEACA), which focuses on regulation, enabling policy, and geological storage. This initiative aims to educate the global finance sector about CCS to attract investments. The presentation identified current challenges, including the commercial viability of CCS projects and the need for financial incentives. With organisations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank showing interest in supporting CCS, substantial financial mobilisation remains essential.

In the spirit of a longstanding collaboration with ACE in the discussion on coal, the Japan Carbon Frontier Organization (JCOAL) presented the progress and plans for cooperation with ASEAN, which include the strategic report on carbon capture utilisation (CCU). JCOAL proposed several agenda items and further collaboration on CCU and coal database creation. AFOC engaged with JCOAL’s proposal to tailor the studies on CCU in preparing the immediate technological implementation in the region by requiring JCOAL to provide a conceptual note to ACE.

Additionally, a representative from ACE shared insights from the ASEAN Position Paper on Coal Phase-out in the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. The discussion highlighted the strategic pursuit of a coal phase-down (CPD) at an appropriate time, promoting CCT, grid upgrades, and clean energy technologies as critical components.

Photo 3. Representatives of GCCSI and JCOAL presented an ongoing collaboration with ASEAN

In a forward-looking move, Indonesia was announced as the host for the 23^rd AFOC Council Meeting and associated meetings in 2025. The session concluded with a closing statement from Dato’ Ir. Ts. Abdul Razib Dawood, who expressed gratitude to all participants and organisers. He reiterated the importance of ASEAN Member States working together towards achieving a low-carbon economy and sustainable future.

The 22^nd AFOC Council Meeting showcased a unified commitment to navigating the complex landscape of coal in ASEAN’s energy mix, emphasising innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.