FutureCoal, the Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU), strengthening their joint commitment to support sustainable coal development across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
Since the MoU was first signed in 2017, the partnership has delivered two significant joint reports. “Clean Coal Technologies in the ASEAN” demonstrated how investment in upgrading existing coal plants with technologies, such as high efficiency low emissions (HELE) technology can cut emissions, improve reliability, increase output and be more economically viable than common alternatives.
The second study, “Addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the ASEAN Coal Value Chain,” highlights how coal-related activities in the region support vital progress on the SDGs, improving local community employment, education, and social welfare by building on strong partnerships between the coal value chain and ASEAN businesses and communities.
“Under the newly endorsed ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030, the programme area ‘Clean Coal Transformation’ has expanded the previously ‘Clean Coal Technology’ to promote a responsible and lower-carbon coal value chain,” said ACE Executive Director Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood.
“Cooperation with our partners, including FutureCoal, shall continue the effort of ASEAN to ensure energy security and accelerate decarbonisation towards a just and inclusive energy transition.”
A key element of the renewed MoU is recognition of FutureCoal’s Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS) framework, which supports responsible coal development to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.
“SCS provides a practical framework to explore technologies that can cut emissions, boost efficiency, and unlock new value streams from coal. Through our joint work programme with ACE, we are helping member states pursue cleaner, more competitive, and sustainable energy pathways,” said FutureCoal CEO Michelle Manook.
Source: FutureCoal