Japanese Ambassador: Coal plays a vital role in ASEAN energy transition

The Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN, Yonetani Koji, stated that coal remains an important part of the energy mix for ASEAN nations, meaning the transition towards clean energy must be carried out gradually with long-term planning. Ambassador Koji noted that every country possesses different energy conditions and requirements; therefore, energy transition policies cannot be implemented at the same speed.

“In this region, coal-fired power plants are still a significant part of the energy mix. Thus, we require a gradual and long-term approach,” he said during an interview on the International Corner programme with ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to Koji, each nation’s energy policy should at least pursue three objectives: energy security, affordability, and sustainability. Achieving all three simultaneously, he added, is not always easy.

Consequently, Japan is encouraging cooperation with ASEAN nations through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative. Japan aims to promote cooperation to achieve net-zero emissions in Asia while respecting the specific energy conditions and transition speeds of each individual country.

“It is important for us to focus on cooperation to achieve net-zero emissions across Asia, while still respecting the concrete situation of each country, current energy conditions, and the appropriate transition speed for each nation,” Ambassador Koji remarked.

AZEC serves as a platform promoted by Japan to strengthen cooperation with Asian nations in achieving decarbonisation. Through this partnership, Japan seeks to drive the energy transition while remaining mindful of the developmental needs and energy conditions of each respective country.

The Indonesian government is also currently formulating strategies to utilise coal commodities more sustainably, including reducing the direct use of coal as fuel for power plants. Coal-fired power plants are expected to transition to using CCS/CCUS (Carbon Capture and Storage/Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage) technologies to capture and store carbon. Furthermore, coal will be processed into derivative products, such as Dimethyl Ether (DME), which is more environmentally friendly for domestic use.