FutureCoal Calls for Balanced Approach to Energy Policy Amidst G7 Announcement on Unabated Coal

Following the G7 forum’s declaration to phase out unabated coal by 2035, global coal organization FutureCoal has urged world leaders to adopt a balanced, pragmatic, and responsible approach to energy policy. The announcement, made during a G7 Ministerial meeting on climate, energy, and environment matters, has sparked debates over the future of coal and its role in ensuring energy security and reliability.

FutureCoal’s Perspective:

Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal, expressed concerns regarding the clarity and objectives outlined in the G7 statement. Manook highlighted that while several G7 countries, such as Germany and Japan, still rely on coal for baseload electricity, they have emphasized the necessity of coal in ensuring energy security. The G7 statement specifically referred to unabated coal as coal plants lacking carbon capture and storage technology.

Challenges in Germany and Japan:

In Germany, although legislation calls for a coal phase-out by 2038, uncertainties remain regarding an earlier phase-out. The country’s Finance Minister has dismissed the aim to phase out coal by 2030 if affordable energy alternatives are lacking. Additionally, Germany’s energy regulator has warned about the potential grid problems due to the lack of reliable standby capacity such as coal.

In Japan, a cautious approach to coal phase-out has been adopted, with no specific date set. Japan operates the world’s most efficient coal power fleet, which has served as a crucial component of its electricity supply, particularly following the mass nuclear shutdown in 2011.

Call for a Balanced Approach:

Manook emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to energy policy, where affordability, reliability, and security are prioritized. With coal playing a pivotal role in more than 80 countries, FutureCoal advocates for wider leadership engagement beyond the G7, particularly involving the Global South, to invest in technology solutions, including abated coal, to lower global emissions.

Sustainable Coal Stewardship Roadmap:

FutureCoal has presented a Sustainable Coal Stewardship roadmap, showcasing existing abatement and commercial opportunities that enable the coal value chain to mitigate emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5˚C above preindustrial levels.

Technological Solutions:

Manook highlighted that known technologies could abate up to 99% of coal emissions during combustion, emphasizing the importance of genuine international cooperation in achieving global sustainability objectives.

As the debate over coal phase-out intensifies, FutureCoal’s call for a balanced, pragmatic, and responsible approach to energy policy resonates globally. With the need for reliable and affordable energy solutions paramount, the role of coal, both unabated and abated, remains a focal point in the transition towards a sustainable energy future. As stakeholders navigate these complexities, genuine international cooperation and leadership are imperative to address the challenges and opportunities presented by coal in the context of climate change mitigation.

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