Plans to expand natural gas infrastructure across Asia could prove harmful to the region as the world transitions from fossil fuels, according to a new report by environmental advocate Global Energy Monitor (GEM). 

GEM said the $379 billion of planned gas-fired power plants, natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals across Asia could become stranded as the energy transition accelerates. The organization also argued that the buildout undermines pledges by several Asian countries to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century. 

“Emissions from existing gas projects are already too great for the world to have at least a 50% chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 C,” said GEM Executive Director Ted Nace. “If built, these new Asian gas projects would lock-in...