Morgan Stanley: Asia May Turn to Coal to Address LNG Supply Risks

Golden Ten Data reported on March 5 that Morgan Stanley analysts stated in a report that, in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply, Asian economies may consider coal as an important alternative energy source to liquefied natural gas (LNG). South Asia still has flexible coal-fired power capacity available, and the region has recently built some new coal-fired power plants. Analysts estimate that about 20% of Asia's electricity supply relies on LNG from the Middle East. Disruptions in LNG supply caused by the Iran conflict are crucial for the region's data centers and power grids. India and Thailand have the highest dependence on spot LNG, while utility companies in Malaysia and Indonesia may be relatively less affected by fuel supply issues. Rising LNG prices could widen the power price spread for efficient operators, especially in wholesale electricity markets such as the Philippines and Singapore.