Commentary

Does shale gas have a future in China? - Part 1

According to the US Energy Information Agency, China has the largest known shale gas reserves in the world. China's Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR) predicts that the country's shale gas output could reach 6.5 billion cubic metres per annum by 2015 and increase more than tenfold to 100 billion cubic metres per annum by 2020.

Does shale gas have a future in China? - Part 1

According to the US Energy Information Agency, China has the largest known shale gas reserves in the world. China's Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR) predicts that the country's shale gas output could reach 6.5 billion cubic metres per annum by 2015 and increase more than tenfold to 100 billion cubic metres per annum by 2020.

Back to the Future: How is Asia's energy sector 3 years after the Tohoku earthquake?

The global nuclear ‘enterprise’ is now three years (March 11, 2011) past the historic Tohoku earthquake (M9.0), subsequent tsunami (~14-15m waves), and unfortunately, the continuing consequences of the ‘Fukushima nuclear power plant (NPP) accident. We now live in the post-Fukushima nuclear era.

Achieving market competitiveness in the solar industry

With the season for New Year’s resolutions also comes the inevitable resigned sighs of policymakers in the region approaching solar. Yes it is good for you.

5 factors that make cities greener

The current world population of 7.2 billion is projected to increase by 1 billion over the next 12 years and is estimated to reach 9.6 billion by 2050[1]. As of 2010, more than half of the population lives in urban areas.

Here is what's wrong with geothermal development in Indonesia

Earlier this year, I was a speaker in the GreenPower conference which took place in Jakarta which was devoted to the geothermal space in both Indonesia and the Philippines. (https://www.greenpowerconferences.com/GE1306ID). As one of the keynote speakers I listened to the sessions for about three days before it was my turn.

How the falling yen hurts energy storage value chain in the short term

Currency fluctuations have always impacted international business, but these fluctuations can have significant effects if a portion of a technology’s value chain is heavily concentrated in one currency. Recently, the energy storage market has seen perturbations, for better or for worse, from the Japanese Yen’s 22% decline over the U.S. dollar in the past 12 months.

What carbon capture and storage technology can do

Much of the world’s future energy growth, especially in the power sector, will be in Asia. The use of fossil fuels to meet this demand – unless coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology – will lead toeven more dangerous levels of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere and harmful climate change.

What you don't know about solar PV projects in China (Part 1)

China has one of the largest markets of renewables in the world and possesses rich solar resources. Although China has been initially slow to develop its own solar energy market, the start of 2010 saw this market start to gather momentum.

What you must know about Japan's Smart Mansion Assessment System for apartment buildings

In August 2013, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and industry (METI) announced the launch of a Smart Mansion Assessment System for multi-unit residential (MURB) buildings. “Smart Mansions” are apartment buildings that have an integrated building energy management system (BEMS) capable of “operating the building as a whole.”

Asia amidst nuclear power development craze

Prospects for nuclear power are impressive, and it is a positive moment for Asia. Let's start with the fact that nuclear power is really one of the most environmentally friendly: during normal operation, the environmental impact of nuclear power plants is three times less than that of the traditionally popular thermal power plants. 

How ASEAN countries deal with evolving energy landscape

ASEAN’s energy sector is facing major challenges.  Demand for energy is expanding on the back of economic and population growth and greater urbanization, while indigenous resources are steadily shrinking.

How a strong regulatory push can jumpstart Indonesia's biomass sector

The electricity demand is expected to grow in the world’s 16th largest economy and the fourth most populated country, Indonesia at an average of 10.1% per annum till 2031. In December 2012, Indonesia had a total installed capacity of 32,951 MW.

Power projects in Indonesia you should know about

Based on even the most conservative estimates of Indonesian growth, demand for power in the already under-supplied archipelago will grow by 7% each year for the foreseeable future. While this would appear to make for a guaranteed return on new investment, systemic difficulties remain.

How China is managing a critical crossroad

At the same time countries such as Iran proclaim nuclear energy development is “a matter of national pride”, China is evolving practical approaches to a new Asian power paradigm. While not yet abandoning fission and thermal plants, burning over 3.5 billion tons of coal in 2012, and exploring oxymoronic “synthetic natural” gas-i.e. “sin gas”, China is the first developed nation to comprehend and act upon the tightly interwoven environmental true costs of conventional electrical generation, fuel processing, and food production. 

What the CSR Bill under Companies Act 2013 means

Recently concluded Monsoon session of Indian parliament saw a spate of bills getting through. One of them was landmark, Companies Bill 2013. This bill has now got presidential assent and has become Companies Act 2013. One of the aims of this bill is to encourage Indian companies to use CSR to integrate economic, environmental and social objectives with their operations and growth. Thus, this bill seeks to actively engage top management by constituting a CSR board committee of 3 or more directors, with at least one of them being an independent.