Heavily reliant on oil and gas imports from the Middle East, recent conflicts in the region have led many Asian countries to experience shrinking supplies and rising prices.

As negotiations to end hostilities between the US and Iran persist, many nations are advancing nuclear power development and committing to expand renewable energy. Concurrently, they are also boosting production and investment in coal-fired thermal power to create a "buffer" during crises.

Sandeep Pai, an expert at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, notes that Asian nations have recently strived to phase out coal, aiming to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

However, the conflict has disrupted this progress. "Ultimately, energy security takes precedence over all climate considerations," Pai remarked.

In East Asia, South Korea and Japan increased coal-fired electricity production to stabilize their national grids after the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted oil and gas supplies to Asia.

These two nations import nearly all their energy, primarily via the Strait of Hormuz. Facing potential shortages during the conflict, South Korea postponed plans to close ba coal power plants.

Southeast Asian countries made similar moves. Following the conflict's outbreak, the Philippines boosted coal-fired power generation and declared an energy emergency. While the government considered lifting a ban on new coal power plant construction, it ultimately retained the ban, though previously approved projects continue.

Coal barges on the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan province, Indonesia, 31/8/2019. *Photo: Reuters*

Indonesia, the world's largest thermal coal exporter, experienced coal prices rising to multi-year highs. The nation is revising trade regulations and imposing new taxes on this commodity.

In South Asia, India plans to spend 3,9 billion USD to convert coal into industrial fuels and chemicals, aiming to replace imports and maintain coal's economic role.

In 2021, the United Nations declared coal "a thing of the past" after nearly 200 nations pledged to phase out coal power. However, the 2022 Ukraine conflict disrupted gas supplies, prompting many European countries to increase coal usage and build more pipelines and fossil fuel import terminals.

Now, a second energy shock in under a decade further reinforces coal's role in Asia's energy security, according to Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal — an organization backed by the fossil fuel industry, formerly the World Coal Association.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts global investment in coal will reach 180 billion USD in 2026, the highest since 2012. Global coal power output decreased by 0,6% last year, but new plant capacity still increased by 3,5%, according to Global Energy Monitor. Pai predicts Asia's emergency responses are gradually becoming long-term policies, potentially extending coal power's lifespan.

While unable to fully divest from coal, Asia is also actively investing in nuclear and renewable energy. South Korea is increasing output from nuclear power plants and accelerating maintenance to bring 5 inactive reactors back online.

According to Michiyo Miyamoto, an expert at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Japan is pushing to restart nuclear power plants halted after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Following the incident, Japan increased coal use as national power generation capacity temporarily dropped by one-third.

In Southeast Asia, solar power is increasingly popular. Vietnam aims for about 10% of public offices and 10% of households nationwide to install and use self-produced rooftop solar power annually. Meanwhile, Philippine residents are installing rooftop solar power at a record pace.

Brenda Valerio, a representative of the non-profit New Energy Nexus, notes that diversifying energy sources for security does not negate green transition achievements. "However, it highlights a bumpy and often controversial process," she stated.

Similarly, Luke Holt, Asia-Pacific energy director at consulting firm Ramboll, states that efforts to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero targets are long-term strategies, requiring continuous pursuit over many years.

"We find these plans are easily sidetracked. Too many shocks have disrupted the decarbonization roadmap," he assessed.

Phien An (according to AP)