The two signed a memorandum of understanding during the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2017, part of the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting.

The partnership is aiming to bring to fruition a vision ASEAN had outlined in its Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025, themed 'Enhancing Energy Connectivity and Market Integration in ASEAN to Achieve Energy Security, Accessibility, Affordability and Sustainability for All'.

As noted by ACE executive director Dr Sanjayan Velautham, the group’s new study, the 5th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO5), has indicated that coal will continue to be part of ASEAN’s energy supply for the foreseeable future.

“That is why it is important that CCT is part of ASEAN’s energy mix going forward,” Velautham said. “ACE looks forward to working with WCA to achieve this objective.”

“By keeping coal in the energy mix and supporting technologies that reduce emissions, we will be making energy affordable and striving to reduce emissions at the same time, which is in line with the Paris Agreement commitments,” added WCA chief executive Benjamin Sporton, who also said that the WCA will be working closely with the ACE to achieve universal energy access and reduce emissions.

The international ASEAN Energy Business Forum conference and exhibition is held annually in conjunction with the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting. WCA and ACE collaborated at this year’s event to present the report 'ASEAN’s Energy Equation: The Role of Low Emission Coal in Driving a Sustainable Energy Future'.