The outgoing Indonesian president said that his government has been consistent in carrying out the energy transition carefully and gradually. Evidence suggests otherwise.
For a genuine coal phaseout, it is essential that private banks cease funding for any new coal expansion, and redirect these funds towards investments in grid infrastructure, renewable energies and the decommissioning of coal assets.
Energy systems that rely on coal are not inherently secure as commodity market fluctuations can challenge affordability, while tripling solar and wind capacity in Asean would only negligibly impact system operations.
As the frontrunner for green hydrogen projects in Southeast Asia, Sarawak’s success or failure in the next two years will serve as a bellwether for Malaysia’s hydrogen economy goals, Asean’s hydrogen future and global clean hydrogen demand.