Opinion Pieces
Asia’s Proposed Coal Projects May Reverse Recent Declines, Significantly Increasing Methane Emissions [Op-Ed]
Global coal mine capacity saw its lowest increase since 2015, but with over 2,200 Mtpa still in development—primarily in China and India—the risk of future expansion remains high. Projected methane emissions from these new mines could surpass Japan’s annual greenhouse gas output, exacerbating climate impacts. The trajectory of coal development in Asia highlights ongoing challenges for climate mitigation efforts.
Can Malaysia’s AI Data Centres Go Green? [Op-Ed]
Malaysia’s data centres, a significant contributor to global energy consumption, have the potential to go green by adopting renewable energy sources and sustainable practices. Transitioning to eco-friendly operations reduces carbon emissions and sets a powerful example for the tech industry worldwide. Can Malaysia’s AI-powered data centres lead the way in sustainable digital transformation?
The Energy Transition and Biodiversity: East Kalimantan Case Study [Op-Ed]
Indonesia’s ongoing coal expansion threatens vital biodiversity hotspots, risking species extinction and disrupting ecosystems crucial for human survival. Urgent action is needed to protect key biodiversity areas, accelerate renewable energy development and shift away from fossil fuels to safeguard nature and the country's long-term energy security.
Data Centres at a Crossroads: Clean Power or Carbon Risk?
Southeast Asia’s booming data centre industry risks deepening fossil fuel dependence and undermining climate goals unless swift action is taken. Integrating renewable energy and improving grid decarbonisation is crucial to ensuring the region’s digital growth supports a sustainable and secure energy future.
Redefining Energy Security in Southeast Asia: Renewables, Not Fossil Gas, Are Key to Net Zero [Op-Ed]
As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties intensify, it is becoming increasingly clear that overreliance on external energy sources poses significant risks to Southeast Asia’s economies and the well-being of its communities. The region must redefine energy security to achieve sustainable growth, climate resilience and energy security, with electrification, domestic renewables and stronger regional cooperation at its core.
When Emission Cuts Are Just Paperwork – The Cookstove Credits Backed by Korean Companies [Op-Ed]
Major Korean companies, including Samsung and SK Group, are backing carbon offset projects that significantly overstate their emission reductions—by an average factor of 18.3. This widespread over-crediting not only undermines global climate efforts but risks turning corporate ESG pledges into nothing more than greenwashing.
What’s Next for Southeast Asia’s China-backed Solar Boom?
Despite Southeast Asia’s significant solar potential, regional barriers such as regulatory hurdles, entrenched fossil fuel interests, and supply chain limitations are slowing progress. Experts emphasise the need for market diversification and deeper involvement across the solar value chain to unlock long-term growth and competitiveness in the face of rising regional rivals.
Implementing Wealth Taxes to Fund an Equitable Energy Transition in Indonesia [Op-Ed]
Indonesia's recent budget cuts under the Prabowo regime threaten to undermine the country's energy transition and climate commitments. With the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources facing a significant budget reduction, a strategic wealth tax on the super-rich could provide the necessary funding to support decarbonisation efforts and ensure a more equitable transition to sustainable energy.
Inter-ministerial Collaboration Essential in Actualising Indonesia’s Green Jobs Potential [Op-Ed]
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy presents a significant opportunity for Indonesia to create green jobs, with estimates suggesting the potential for approximately 1.12 million new engineering roles by 2050. However, a lack of integration between energy transition policies, labour market development and inadequate training resources poses challenges.
Captive Coal Power Plants Holding Back Indonesia’s Energy Transition [Op-Ed]
Despite Indonesia's goal to add 75 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2039, the country is paradoxically increasing its captive coal-fired power plants, largely due to the nickel industry. This trend undermines efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, potentially escalating pollution by 2030. While neighbours like Australia, India, and China advance in renewable energy, Indonesia's coal dependency highlights the urgent need for stronger policies and a commitment to phasing out coal power.
Cambodia’s LNG Plans Face Energy Security and Cost Issues [Op-Ed]
Christopher Doleman and Sam Reynold from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) share their views on Cambodia's risky LNG plans.
Japan’s Fossil Fuel Strategy Fueling Poverty in Bangladesh [Op-Ed]
Despite a severe foreign currency crisis, Bangladesh continues to pour billions into expensive, import-dependent fossil fuel projects—largely driven by Japan’s investments. While power plants remain idle due to fuel shortages, the burden of rising energy costs is pushing millions into poverty. Why is Bangladesh prioritising Japan’s energy agenda over its long-term sustainability?
Japan’s LNG Investments in the US Gulf South: A Costly Miscalculation [Op-Ed]
As Japan positions itself as a clean energy leader, its financial institutions are making a costly miscalculation—doubling down on US liquefied natural gas (LNG) investments. New research shows that exported LNG is 33% worse for the climate than coal, while frontline communities in the US Gulf South suffer severe health impacts from these projects. With mounting legal challenges, rising financial risks, and intensifying global climate commitments, Japan’s banks must reconsider their LNG strategy before it’s too late. Manning Rollerson & Ayumi Fukakusa share their opinion.
RE-powering ASEAN: Readying Power Systems for Renewables [Op-Ed]
Contractual reforms and targeted measures to accelerate investments in renewables are key to unlocking ASEAN's potential for a clean energy future. This piece explores strategies to overcome barriers and drive a sustainable, affordable energy transition in the region.
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