Southeast Asia Won’t Quit Coal Anytime Soon

Global coal demand continues to hit record highs despite the boom of renewable energy installations, including in the most coal-dependent regions in Asia. China and India are the biggest consumers and the key growth drivers of rising coal demand, but other emerging markets in south and Southeast Asia are also propping up coal use. One of these is Vietnam. In recent years, soaring industrial activity and economic growth well above the global average have made Vietnam a power-hungry, predominantly manufacturing economy. The country has become a solar…