FutureCoal and ASEAN Centre for Energy Renew MoU to Advance Coal’s Transformation

Kuala Lumpur, 21 October 2025: FutureCoal, the Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday 17 October, strengthening their joint commitment to support sustainable coal development across the ASEAN region.

Since the MoU was first signed in 2017, the partnership has delivered two significant joint reports. “Clean Coal Technologies in the ASEAN” demonstrated how investment in upgrading existing coal plants with technologies, such as high efficiency low emissions (HELE) technology can cut emissions, improve reliability, increase output and be more economically viable than common alternatives.

The second study, “Addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the ASEAN Coal Value Chain”, highlights how coal-related activities in the region support vital progress on the SDGs, improving local community employment, education, and social welfare by building on strong partnerships between the coal value chain and ASEAN businesses and communities.

ACE Executive Director, Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood welcomed the renewal of the partnership, saying, “Under the newly endorsed ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030, the programme area ‘Clean Coal Transformation’ has expanded the previously ‘Clean Coal Technology’ to promote a responsible and lower-carbon coal value chain. Cooperation with our partners, including FutureCoal, shall continue the effort of ASEAN to ensure energy security and accelerate decarbonisation towards a just and inclusive energy transition”  

FutureCoal CEO, Michelle Manook emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership, “FutureCoal is proud to continue its collaboration with ACE, one of the most respected energy institutions in Asia. Together, we continue to advance a fact-based approach which serves to demonstrate how coal is and can evolve through technology and innovation.

“We look forward to partnering with Executive Director of ACE, Dato’ Razib Dawood, and his team to share knowledge and best practices, mobilise investment, and help the ASEAN lead the way in shaping coal’s transformation.”

A key element of the renewed MoU is recognition of FutureCoal’s Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS) framework, which supports responsible coal development to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.

“SCS provides a practical framework to explore technologies that can cut emissions, boost efficiency, and unlock new value streams from coal. Through our joint work programme with ACE, we are helping member states pursue cleaner, more competitive, and sustainable energy pathways,” said Ms Manook.