Coal power plants can help support the renewable energy transition by providing a source of flexibility to electricity systems, enabling greater shares of wind and solar to be utilized and reducing the curtailment of zero fuel cost resources. However, the long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) that govern investments in coal power generation often impede flexible operation of coal power plants and thereby the integration of variable renewable energy. Although there is increasing awareness on the need to reform coal PPAs, there has been limited research on the specific adjustments that are needed to ensure that coal plants support, and not oppose, the energy transition. This seminar explores the specific barriers that coal contracts present to the phasing down of coal power, identifies contractual solutions, and explores renegotiation pathways to align coal contracts with the requirements of transforming power systems.

About the Speaker:

Ernst is a Senior Associate Power System Transformation for Southeast Asia. He drives analytical and strategic initiatives on renewable energy investment, utility business model innovation and power system reform to enable greater integration of renewables. Based in Bangkok, he works closely with national and regional stakeholders to identify market and policy reform opportunities to accelerate the shift towards renewables-based electricity systems.

Moderator: Professor Hao Zhang, CUHK LAW

Discussants:

Professor Martin Jarrett, CUHK LAW

Mr. Mike Thomas, Founding Partner at The Lantau Group

Mike Thomas is a founding partner at The Lantau Group with over 30 years of consulting experience, focussing on the energy sector. He advises a wide range of energy sector stakeholders on strategic, regulatory, and competition matters; sustainability; market design and development; and commercial transactions. Prior to co-founding in 2010, he headed the Asia Pacific Energy & Environment practice of a global consulting firm. Mike has an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School, United States and a BA in Economics from Carleton College, United States.

Register here to attend the seminar on or before 21 September 2026, 5:00pm (HKT).