Staff Reporter

Cites delays in carrying out exploration.

Boosted by commercial project installations.

Vital to cutting carbon emissions and promoting energy security.

Promise to promote energy and economic cooperation.

Expects steady market growth in China.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

For peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Detained on allegations of fraud.

Kepco, Mitsui and Mitsubishi studying opportunities.

Fourth-generation plant to rise at Ruijin.

Will cut Indian imports of this product.

Goal is to save and use electricity more efficiently.