Draft 3 Summary Reader Response: "How can Southeast Asia's clean energy transition be sped up?"

                         

                            DRAFT 3 READER RESPONSE SUMMARY CLEAN ENERGY

In the article, “How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up?” Daubach (2019) observes that Southeast Asia is slow in making progress in adopting clean energy due to different demographics in the region. The writer states that ASEAN countries have vast potential for growth in renewable energy. The article notes that experts at Temasek’s ecosperity conference have deliberated on how ASEAN can accelerate its renewable energy production from its abundant green sources. The switch to renewable energy requires a variety of clean technology and it is further challenged by economical obstacles and policies in the region. The article stated that during the conference, Professor Chapman suggested that nuclear technology could provide a solution to reduce pollution. In comparison to other regions, Southeast Asia is lagging in adopting clean energy even though many of its’ economy is driven by the agriculture industry which is vulnerable to climate change. Daubach concluded that with millions exposed to the perils of climate change, businesses and policymakers in the ASEAN region can work together in this rapidly-expanding region to improve quality of life and combat climate change.

While the article explained ways to expedite the use of renewable energy in Southeast Asia, the viewpoints of the experts on clean coal technology and the challenges of adopting renewable energy were not mentioned.

For businesses and people to consider using renewable energy, it must make economic sense and will not affect daily operations.  Muramatsu (2019) points out that even though companies are adopting clean energy, it will not end its coal dependency.  The importance of coal can be seen in Energy giant Banpu’s revenue which is mainly derived from coal energy production. Furthermore, Muramatsu (2019) notes that one of the ASEAN members, Indonesia introduced measures to lower the cost of coal. Enterprises who have to deal practicality of business would choose an economical option. Thus, continue using cheaper fossil fuel, this in turn, will slow down integration of renewable energy.

With the advancement of technology, traditional fuel sources are being used more efficiently and effectively. The clean coal technology reduces pollutants produced when burning coal. Grossman (2017) stated that these days, one of the most prominent clean coal technology is carbon capture and storage (CCS). The CCS technology allows carbon dioxide to be captured from the gas steam produced from the combustion of coal. The carbon dioxide is then stored deep in the ground, which reduces greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Therefore, such technology could be used to slow down global warming.

The use of clean coal technology can reduce pollution and greenhouse gases, however it comes with its own challenge. According to Rissman and Orvis (2017), coal companies support CCS because it does not call for a transition to alternative power sources. Rissman and Orvis (2017) pointed out the use of such technology is costly because it involves research and development, usage of additional equipment and extra power to collect and store carbon emission. Hence, the use of CCS might not be suitable for countries with limited financial resources.

In conclusion, the use of clean energy does not mean that Southeast Asia should distance itself from coal in pursuit of renewable energy. Countries in Southeast Asia can continue using coal with the aid of technology to provide power and with less emission.

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Dabauch, T. (2019, July 19). How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up? Eco-business. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/

Muramatsu,Y. Suzuki,J. and Ohira,Y. (2019, April 15). Southeast Asia's energy majors pivot sharply to green power.  NHK. Retrieved from http

s://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Southeast-Asia-s-energy-majors-pivot-sharply-to-green-power2

World-Nuclear. (2018, November).  ‘Clean Coal' Technologies, Carbon Capture & Sequestration. World-Nuclear Association. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/energy-and-the-environment/clean-coal-technologies.aspx

Grossman,D. (2017, August 23). How Does Clean Coal Work? Popular Mechanics. Retrieved from https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/news/a27886/how-does-clean-coal-work/

Rissman,J. and Orvis,R. (2017, May 3). Carbon Capture And Storage: An Expensive Option For Reducing U.S. CO2 Emissions. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2017/05/03/carbon-capture-and-storage-an-expensive-option-for-reducing-u-s-co2-emissions/#769717566482