Commentary

Power up: New hot areas for transformation - Part 1

Demand for electrical power in Asian countries is nothing short of staggering; the World Energy Outlook 2013 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) Non-OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) shows countries in Asia hold the largest share of global growth in primary energy demand at 65%[1]. Nearly 40% of the world’s new electricity capacity is being shared together by China and India.

Commentary

Power up: New hot areas for transformation - Part 1

Commentary

How smart cities will help Singapore deal with tackling energy demands

In the last decade, Singapore’s population has grown by 25 percent and this number will continue to grow for another ten years. With this rapid pace of growth coupled with the impending demand that follows, it comes as no surprise when a recent study by Shell Eastern Petroleum showed that four out of five Singaporeans surveyed ranked future energy needs as important as cost of living, job security, and housing affordability1.

Commentary

The future of Singapore's renewable energy

Around the world, governments are stepping up efforts to grow their renewable energy capabilities in order to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

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Japan's nuclear quest: Full steam ahead?

Back in 2011, after the Fukushima disaster, it appeared as though Japan’s nuclear dream was in tatters. However, only three years later, the reverse appears to be the case, with the government now beginning to attempt to resurrect Japan’s mothballed nuclear plants.

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The short-term impacts of liberalisation on the utility company

Liberalisation is a market change with a relaxation of rules allowing new players to enter a market. Sometimes this is referred to as de-regulation.

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Can China reduce its addiction to coal power?

In early March 2014, at China’s National People’s Congress, Premier Li Keqiang declared war on pollution, as the issues of smog, hazardous air quality levels, and broader environmental challenges gained unprecedented political attention.

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Addressing carbon dioxide emissions from power projects

China is planning numerous carbon capture and storage projects, which often combine enhanced oil recovery ventures. As we know, the power industry is the largest greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emitter globally; and means of recovering, utilising, sequestering, and recycling CO2 (carbon dioxide) is the key to a healthier planet, and a stronger power industry worldwide.

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The role of NAMAs in achieving low carbon growth in India

In recent years, remarkable economic growth in developing countries has caused a rapid increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in addition to the increased energy demands.

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What newcomers need to know about nuclear power programmes

Nuclear newcomers’ desire for nuclear power has not decreased even after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan. Many countries are either considering nuclear power or actively preparing their infrastructure for a possible nuclear power programme.

Commentary

Does shale gas have a future in China? - Part 2

In March 2012, the NDRC, Ministry of Finance, MLR and NEA jointly issued a development plan designated for China's shale gas development. The Plan applies to shale gas development activities and initiatives in China from 2011 to 2015.

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.

Commentary

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.

Commentary

Why it's high time to invest in Vietnam's power transmission, distribution network

Overview of power sector in Vietnam

Commentary

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.

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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.

Commentary

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.

Commentary

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.

Commentary