This week in energy: hydrogen in the headlines, positive words from Australia, and Canada on the horizon

Each week, the Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association (ANGEA) compiles stories from the energy world that have caught our eye over the course of the previous seven days.

Given the region in which we operate – and our purpose – this collection of content is largely Asia-focussed. But we also look further afield, knowing that developments, trends and technology from around the world also have an impact across our region.

Here’s what’s resonated over the past week…

Plenty happening on the hydrogen front
As CERAWeek highlighted, the development of hydrogen as a low emissions future fuel remains a priority for countries, industries and companies around the world.

The past fortnight has delivered a couple of key developments in the hydrogen space, starting with the Japanese government lifting its hydrogen supply target to 12 million tonnes by 2040 – a six-fold increase on the current level. Japan is looking to accelerate the development of international supply chains to meet this ambition.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3MgDqBU

There was also welcome news from the International Energy Agency, which will classify hydrogen produced from fossil fuels (including natural gas) as “clean” – provided it meets new emissions standards.

Under the fresh guidelines, hydrogen will be considered clean provided production of 1kg results in less than 7kg of CO2 emissions.

Read more: https://bit.ly/41oCCiJ

Australian Minister reinforces importance of gas
Australia’s Minister For Resources Madeleine King used a major speech in Western Australia recently to highlight the value of natural gas – not only as an export commodity for her country but as a vital transition fuel for other regions of the world.

“In many cases Australian gas has the potential to lift millions out of energy poverty. It will be a critical fuel in the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy, and for our trading partners’ net zero pathways as well.”

Read the full speech: http://bit.ly/3U89ry5

It was great to speak to the Resources Technology Showcase today.

Great job ⁦@sevenwestmedia⁩ for putting on a fantastic event.

We need our young people considering careers in resources if we are to achieve net zero.https://t.co/vFyCZ0RZuB pic.twitter.com/zbRUoCg6sL

— Madeleine King MP (@MadeleineMHKing) April 4, 2023

How the world can help Asian energy transition
In a similar vein, Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association CEO Paul Everingham outlined in his blog posted on our website how the worldwide LNG trade can underpin energy transition in Asia.

“Just as Japan started importing natural gas in the 1960s to address pollution and fuel economic growth, Asian countries can use it now to reduce emissions while meeting the power needs of communities and industries. In the case of developing economies, it can help lift many millions of people out of poverty.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/3o3Pw7r

A pathway to effective CCUS in Asia
ANGEA is grateful to Energy Voice for publishing another opinion article from Paul on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in Asia and the building blocks that need to be put in place to enable widespread use of the technology.

“CCUS technology isn’t new globally but it will be new to some countries in Asia – particularly at the scale required. Time and effort, therefore, needs to be invested now into creating clear regulatory and legal frameworks.”

Read more: http://bit.ly/41u2gmc

ANGEA in action in Indonesia
Paul also had the privilege this week to travel to Indonesia, where he met with Pak Ridha Yasser PhD, Director of Energy in the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

Topics of conversation included the important role that LNG has in the energy transition, as well as technologies like carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and ammonia.

We appreciate Pak Ridha Yasser and his team from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs taking the time to meet with us and discuss subjects that will be vital to Indonesia as it progresses towards being the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050.

Milestone looms for Philippines
Some very positive news over the past fortnight out of the Philippines, where the first-ever LNG import cargo for power generation is set to arrive.

With strong economic and population growth but a declining indigenous gas resource, imported LNG can help the Philippines move away from its reliance on coal.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3MwdFh4

New LNG links forged between major Japanese and Korean operators
A pleasing piece of cross-country collaboration this week, with the announcement that ANGEA member company JERA and Korea’s state-owned KOGAS had signed a memorandum of understanding for co-operation in the LNG business.

The MOU will cover key elements such as LNG swaps, trading, ship optimisation, and market view exchange.

Read more: https://bit.ly/41dBFK8

Canada emerges as a potential energy partner for Asia
Plenty of eyes on Canada at the moment, which isn’t currently an LNG exporter but has serious potential to be one – something that will only be aided by both regional and federal governments now moving to offer more support for CCUS.

Read more: https://reut.rs/3nGYxTN

Meanwhile, Japanese utility Kansei Electric is already looking towards Canada as a possible source of hydrogen or ammonia for co-firing in electricity generation.

Read more: https://s.nikkei.com/3UgJ5Kd

ANGEA is an industry association representing LNG and natural gas producers, energy buyers, suppliers and companies in APAC. Based in Singapore, it works in partnership with governments and societies across the region to deliver reliable and secure energy solutions that achieve national economic, energy security, social and environmental objectives and meet global climate goals.