Southeast Asia can turn old coal mines into new power plants
What happened
A new analysis maps out where old coal mines in Southeast Asia can be repurposed for solar, wind, or pumped hydro power. This means countries can use existing infrastructure and disturbed land to build renewable energy projects faster.
Why it matters
For years, closing coal plants meant dealing with vast, polluted sites. This analysis shows that these sites are not just liabilities; they are assets. It makes it easier for governments and developers to identify specific locations where new energy projects can be built without needing to clear new land or build entirely new grid connections. This could speed up the energy transition in a region heavily reliant on coal.
The signal
Watch for specific project announcements in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Viet Nam that explicitly mention repurposing former coal mining sites for renewable energy.