AMONG the immediate results of COP26 in Glasgow is a strong commitment by at least 23 nations to phase out coal power. Most importantly, three countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore — are among countries that joined this pledge. Historically, coal use in Asean is viewed as strategically important due to its competitive cost and available supply within the region.

Thus, transitioning away from coal is challenging for leaders to contemplate. However, the strong consensus at COP26 to dramatically decrease dependence on fossil fuels provides momentum for a more rapid energy transition in the region. Furthermore, world leaders announced a consensus to 'phase down unabated coal' use, and countries have set ambitious targets to reduce emissions to limit the temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees of temperature rise above the preindustrial level.