ASEAN to push 'clean' coal technologies

ASEAN to push 'clean' coal technologies

THE 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
are aiming to "enhance the image of coal" by promoting "clean" technologies,
representatives of host country Philippines said on Tuesday.

"Activities laid out include public awareness, recognition of best
practices, trade and investment, collaboration with global networks, policy
research and build capacity through workshops," said Felix William B.
Fuentebella, undersecretary of the Department of Energy (DoE), in a press
conference in Pasay City.

He also said the capacity-building would include yearly submissions to an
ASEAN coal database and information system.

The promotion of clean coal technology is one of seven areas in the regional
bloc's agenda this year. These areas form the gist of the ASEAN Plan of
Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025. The member states this week
will discuss these action plan during the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy
Meeting at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.

Separately in a statement, DoE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said that
activities and discussions during the meetings "are geared towards
solidifying the cooperation activities programmed" under the APAEC.

"Ensuring the attainment of these agenda items will also advance the
country's objective in continuously hosting energy events in the region,"
Mr. Cusi said.

Mr. Fuentebella said the discussions would include three other countries:
China, Japan and South Korea. He said the senior officials meeting on energy
plus the three countries would review and deliberate on the progress made in
implementing the work programs under APAEC.

The other day, he said Malaysia, Thailand and Laos are set to sign a deal
that would allow these countries to trade electricity.

He said an ASEAN-wide power grid is one of the seven program areas that
member states will discuss in the coming days. The others are trans-ASEAN
gas pipeline; coal and clean coal technology; energy efficiency and
conservation; renewable energy; regional energy policy and planning; and
civilian nuclear energy.

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Link to Original Article:
http://bworldonline.com/asean-push-clean-coal-technologies/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com