This Week In Energy: transition challenges highlighted, Thailand’s progress continues and LNG finding a niche in shipping
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…
Another illustration of Asia’s energy transition challenge
Some further interesting coverage this week of the complex energy situations being faced by developing economies around the world – this time from Reuters’ Global Energy Transition Columnist (and former Asia Commodities and Energy Editor) Gavin Maguire.
As Gavin explained, reductions in energy use through to 2050 by China, Europe and North America will be exceeded by increased usage in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. And without significant work, emissions hubs and the challenges (and opportunities) that go with them are going to shift as well.
Read more: https://reut.rs/3lRCuJq
Taiwan set to tap into more LNG
Taiwan has already set out its ambition to generate 50 per cent of electricity using gas by 2025.
And it’s taken further strides in its energy transition journey with news this week that a Japanese engineering company would build a new LNG terminal about a kilometre off the northwestern city of Taoyuan. The terminal is expected to be completed over the next two years.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3G1MwyA
Thailand’s transition continues to gather momentum
“Each nation in Asia must undergo a unique energy transition – but there will always be a place for countries to lead the way, setting an example and establishing learnings that neighbours can benefit from.”
Six months after first visiting Thailand as ANGEA CEO, Paul Everingham continues to be impressed by progress the country is making towards a lower-carbon future – as he explained in his blog this week.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3FTaegz
Exciting progress for MHI in Indonesia
Very encouraging recent news for ANGEA member Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the announcement it would partner with PLN Nusantara Power (a sub-holding of state-owned PLN Group) to study the feasibility of co-firing with hydrogen, ammonia and biomass.
Indonesia is projected to have the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050 and it will be vital to have energy solutions that help drive this growth while also meeting climate objectives.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3TQ2W2K
ConocoPhillips building operations in Australia
On the subject of ANGEA member companies, it was excellent to see ConocoPhillips revealing this week it grow its presence in Australia – as part of operations which supply low carbon natural gas to Asian markets.
Read more: http://bit.ly/40PYKCh
LNG proving popular with maritime industry
LNG-powered ships still make up only a small percentage of seaborne fleets but it’s telling that of the 275 newbuild ships able to run on alternative fuels that were ordered globally last year, 81% fitted that criteria.
LNG appeals to the maritime industry as a fuel that can deliver reduced emissions today while a clear pathway is established to net-zero emissions in the future.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3TXCuV2
Maybe the best capture explainer you’ll read this week
One of the hidden challenge on the carbon capture, utilisation and storage landscape (CCUS) is breaking down to broad audiences how a very technical field works and why it looms as such an important piece of the energy transition puzzle.
The New York Times has done an excellent job with this explainer, which was even endorsed by US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm.
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.
Main photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash