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Iran war turns Asia toward diversifying energy supplies, undermining climate goals
Countries across Asia are adding coal, nuclear and solar plans as price shocks push energy security higher, while global coal investment is forecast at $180 billion in 2026.
Asian nations are rushing to strengthen energy security amid price shocks caused by the Iran war, potentially undermining climate commitments by extending coal usage and restarting nuclear reactors.
Closures of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war disrupted oil and gas flows, forcing South Korea and Japan to increase coal burning to maintain power grids.
South Korea delayed the retirement of three coal plants to address shortfalls, while India plans to spend $3.9 billion converting coal into industrial fuels and chemicals to replace imports.
Energy security currently "triumphs any other climate considerations," said Sandeep Pai at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, as global coal power capacity increased 3.5% last year.
Despite this shift, renewable growth continues, with Vietnam committing to installing rooftop solar on 10% of public offices by 2030 and Indonesia planning 100 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2034.