U.S. President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Tuesday to bolster the declining coal industry, leveraging emergency powers to extend the operational lifespans of aging coal-fired power plants. The move aims to address escalating electricity needs driven by rapid growth in data centers, artificial intelligence development, and electric vehicle adoption.
The orders allow select plants scheduled for retirement to continue supplying power, framing coal as a temporary solution for energy security. Analysts note this could slow renewable energy transitions in the U.S., potentially impacting global climate commitments and Asian markets that export clean energy technologies.
Business stakeholders are divided: some welcome stability for energy-intensive industries, while environmental advocates warn of increased carbon emissions. For Asia, the policy shift may create short-term opportunities for coal exporters like Australia and Indonesia but risks complicating international efforts to curb fossil fuel reliance ahead of COP29 climate talks.
