This week in energy: Vietnam’s big challenge, gas and future fuels on the agenda for Japan and the spotlight turns to Houston

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 seven days…

Gas, future fuels on the agenda for Japan
As Asia counts down towards the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May, it’s clear that energy security will be the topic of many conversations at this important global event.

Japan will hold a ministerial meeting on climate, energy and environment in Sapporo ahead of G7, and investment in natural gas, LNG, hydrogen and ammonia will be key discussion points over the next few months – and beyond.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Z96D5s

Vietnam’s big coal challenge
Very interesting to read this feature from Australian think tank the Lowy Institute about the challenges faced by Vietnam in continuing its impressive economic growth while also reducing its dependence on coal in order to meet climate targets.

As author Trang Nguyen notes, “Vietnam stands at a crossroads in the global economic and energy transition to net zero” –  and faces a balancing act that will be front-of-mind for many Asian governments.

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

Chevron, Sembcorp team up for decarbonisation venture
Decarbonisation of shipping is becoming an increasing focus across the world – and it continues with ANGEA member company Chevron partnering with Sembcorp Marine to reduce the carbon footprint of its LNG carrier fleet.

Work undertaken by Sembmarine Repairs & Upgrades will help reduce cargo boil-off, lower fuel consumption and increase the volumes of cargoes delivered.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3y1Cx8f

Good emissions news from US move to gas
In a not-unrelated matter, there was some good news out of the US Environmental Protection Agency this week – with the revelation that there was a reduction in harmful emissions in the country in 2022, despite a 2 per cent rise in electricity demand.

The result partly stems from power plants switching from using coal as a fuel to gas, a move that can provide a reduction in carbon intensity of up to 50 per cent.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3SwOZ9n

Changes at the top of JERA
ANGEA congratulates its board member Yukio Kani on his appointment as Chairman and Global CEO at member company JERA from April 1, and also Hisae Okuda, who will take on the roles of President, CEO and COO.

We recognise the contributions of retiring Chairman Toshihiro Sano and President Satoshi Onoda, who will now serve as Directors.

JERA is Japan’s biggest electricity generator, with a strong focus on energy security and decarbonisation, including ammonia and hydrogen co-firing in thermal power plants.

Read more: http://bit.ly/3muu7Du

Singapore, UK going clean together
It’s pleasing to see Singapore and the UK signing a formal pact this week aimed at creating business opportunities in the clean energy, low-emission transport and sustainable finance sectors.

Low-carbon power generation through natural gas – which drives 96 per of electricity – is enabling Singapore to increasingly adopt renewable energy sources and explore future fuels while knowing that it also has grid stability and reliability.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3SNbg2H

Worldwide carbon capture investment hits new milestone
Some very interesting data out of the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), with the revelation that global carbon capture investment more than doubled in 2022 compared to its previous annual peak.

But this technology – essential to the world achieving net zero – still has plenty of scale to add.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Y7OUtQ

As #CERAWeek approaches, clean energy & the gas supply chain are expected to be a major focus. “It’s not just about transitions from higher-carbon to lower-carbon fuels but it’s how do you do it securely & affordably,” @CES_Baker_Inst's @Ken_Medlock says: https://t.co/k4iMt9dLiB

— Baker Institute (@BakerInstitute) March 3, 2023

CERA week set to shine the spotlight on Houston
There are only a couple of days to go until CERAWeek – one of the energy world’s biggest events and one at which ANGEA is looking forward to being in attendance.

The conference will attract thousands of delegates and shines a spotlight on Houston and its surrounds…an area of the US in which energy transition in Asia is very much front of mind and from where many of the region’s energy solutions are likely to come.

Read more: http://bit.ly/3ZFPP5X

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 Georgios Domouchtsidis on Unsplash