Gas should be the natural choice for countries in Asia

ENERGY professionals will gather here next Monday at the Singapore International Energy Week to discuss Asia's key energy issues. They are arriving at the right time, as the region is facing the challenge of shaping a new energy system. What will that energy system look like?

If the use of coal continues to grow, the impact of climate change and air pollution will only increase. Renewable sources such as solar and hydropower are undoubtedly a crucial part of Asia's energy future, but these still face technical and commercial challenges.

Nuclear is not regarded as an acceptable alternative in many…