A worsening energy crisis across Asia, triggered by disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, is forcing several countries to fall back on highly polluting fuels such as coal to meet urgent electricity demands, raising concerns over environmental setbacks and long-term energy security.
The crisis has been driven largely by severe disruptions in global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies following the effective closure of key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy transport. Attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East and a sharp decline in LNG exports, particularly from Qatar, have compounded the supply shock, leaving many Asian economies scrambling for alternatives.
Countries including India, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand and the Philippines have significantly ramped up coal-fired power generation to compensate for dwindling gas supplies and soaring fuel prices. Coal, despite being the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, is being viewed as the quickest and most affordable option to keep power systems running amid the crisis.
Energy analysts warn that this shift marks a major setback for global climate goals, as many of these nations had been gradually transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. The renewed dependence on coal is expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions and worsen air pollution, particularly in already vulnerable urban regions.
The energy crunch has also forced governments to adopt emergency measures to manage demand. In several countries, authorities have introduced steps such as reducing working hours, encouraging remote work, and temporarily closing schools to cut electricity consumption. These short-term interventions reflect the severity of the crisis and the limited availability of immediate alternatives.
Experts caution that the current disruption may not be short-lived. Repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring LNG supply chains could take years, prolonging uncertainty in global energy markets. As a result, countries risk becoming locked into fossil fuel dependency if they continue investing in coal and other non-renewable energy sources as stopgap solutions.
At the same time, the crisis has exposed the vulnerability of nations heavily reliant on imported energy. Analysts argue that the situation should serve as a wake-up call for governments to accelerate investments in domestic renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, which offer greater resilience and sustainability.
While coal is currently helping to bridge the immediate supply gap, experts emphasise that it is not a viable long-term solution. The unfolding crisis underscores the delicate balance between energy security and environmental responsibility, with policymakers now facing mounting pressure to navigate both challenges simultaneously.
