To advance its commitment to a balanced and sustainable energy transition, the Department of Energy (DOE) participated in the high-level ASEAN Forum on Coal (AFOC) Workshop.
Held on May 7, 2026, the workshop focused on the critical theme, “ASEAN Future Coal and Decarbonisation Strategies in Energy Transition.”
The Philippine delegation was led by DOE Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales, who joined energy leaders, policymakers, and technical experts from fellow ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE).
The regional workshop served as a vital platform for stakeholders to confront the dual challenge facing the Southeast Asian energy sector: meeting the rapidly growing power demands of developing economies while aggressively pursuing decarbonization pathways.
Participants engaged in strategic discussions on evolving coal technologies, cleaner energy alternatives, and the practical implementation of emission-reduction frameworks. Undersecretary Sales emphasized the Philippines’ stance on navigating a just transition—one that prioritizes grid resilience, economic viability, and energy security without compromising the nation’s climate commitments.
“Achieving a sustainable energy future for ASEAN requires realistic, collaborative, and innovative strategies,” said Undersecretary Sales. “The Philippines remains dedicated to exploring advanced decarbonization technologies and cross-border partnerships to ensure our transition is both resilient and secure.”
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Evolving Coal Strategies: Assessing the future role of coal in the regional mix and implementing cleaner coal technologies (CCT) to mitigate environmental impact.
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Decarbonization Pathways: Sharing frameworks for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) alongside accelerated renewable energy integration.
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Collaborative Approaches: Strengthening regional policy alignment and knowledge-sharing among ASEAN Member States to foster a unified approach to climate goals.
Through its active participation in the AFOC, the Philippine DOE continues to solidify its role as a proactive leader in the regional energy landscape, championing a cleaner, more sustainable, and interconnected ASEAN.
