Articles
Global Economic Recovery after COVID-19 Pandemic – What 2022 Holds for the Energy Market
We sit with experts and stakeholders from all parts of the energy market to discuss what 2021 taught us, how will the global economic recovery continue in 2022 and which will be the decisive factors for the energy market and climate finance in Asia going forward.
South Korea’s Industrial Giants Respond to Government’s Net-Zero Goals
South Korea aims to achieve net-zero by 2050. The key to succeeding lies in enabling its world-leading industry to decarbonise at scale. While some companies are already making progress on that front, others hesitate. But the time for this is long gone.
Geopolitics and the Importance of the Energy Policy Environment for the Net-Zero Transition
The increasing demand for renewable energy and green technologies in the upcoming years will be detrimental to the developments on the global geopolitical stage. To avoid the mistakes of the oil era, this time the focus should be on cooperation.
Stranded Fossil Fuel Assets: A Looming Burden
Stranded fossil fuel assets pose a significant risk for the world. They will affect governments, lenders, and private institutions. The only way to limit this risk is to shift investment away from new fossil fuel projects and develop policies to support the change.
Competing with Coal: Renewable Energy in Indonesia
Indonesia recently released their energy plan for 2021-2030 and many energy experts are worried. The country does plan to increase renewable energy capacity, but it will continue to invest in coal power. This signals a lack of commitment to regional and global net-zero targets, putting more climate stress on the ASEAN region.
The Blueprint for Greener Companies: Re-skilling
The success of the global net-zero transition will depend on a single factor - the human capital. In the wake of a skills gap and growing clean energy job market, in the years ahead, the focus will be on upskilling, reskilling and adapting the transferrable skills from other industries.
Reshaping the Renewable Energy Policy Environment Across Asia
Favourable climate-aligned policies and regulations can be the key to unlocking the net-zero transition across Asia - the region in the biggest need of decarbonisation. While the process won't happen overnight, it is important to lay the foundation today.
Japan’s Net-Zero Roadmap: A Focus on Innovation and Investment
At COP26 Japan was a leading voice in funding developing countries, but also stepped away from any commitment to stop coal energy generation. This is not compatible with the country's 2050 net-zero target. Luckily, if coal is phased out Japan does have a robust plan to increase renewable energy capacity that incentivizes private sector involvement.
Clean Coal: Fact or Fiction?
"Clean coal" has been touted by many public organisations and private sector companies as an immediate solution for standard fossil fuels. In reality, data shows it does not compare to the emissions rates of renewable energy. While "clean coal" does remain a topic of discussion, many countries are starting to understand it is not a viable long-term solution.
Enabling a Fair and Just Energy Transition in Asia
Enabling a fair and just energy transition in Asia can't happen overnight as it will require collective efforts from governments, fossil fuel companies and stakeholders. While the journey will, indeed, be long and challenging, the most important thing, for now, is to make the first step. There are lots of examples to learn from already. The rest is a question of priorities.
India After COP26: Tackling Coal Dependence Head On
India made five major climate pledges at COP26 culminating with a 2070 net-zero target. Unfortunately, there are many hurdles for the country to reach this target - most significantly the country's reliance on coal and inefficient energy grid. Full adoption of renewable energy hinges on government policy to incentive domestic and international investment.
Oil and Gas Sector: The Prospects of a Transition Fuel
The oil and gas sector has a critical role to play in the energy transition. They are the most well-positioned to develop and deploy large scale renewable energy infrastructure. Asian financiers, like the ADB and AIIB, have stated that they will support this transition by no longer funding coal and oil projects. Yet, they will continue to fund natural gas, as many see it as a transition fuel while renewable energy capacity increases.
The Greenpeace Report and the Mission to Decarbonise Asia’s Tech Industry
In the wake of the "Race to Green" report by Greenpeace, we examine why is the tech industry in Asia lagging behind its global peers in terms of climate action and commitments. The problem is notable not only on the corporate level, but also for the whole region.
Pathway to Zero Emissions for Hard-To-Decarbonise Industries
Decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors will be among the most essential tools to empower the world's emission reduction targets. While the progress had so far been stalling and challenges remain, the opportunities for a rapid transformation of hard-to-decarbonise sectors are there for the taking.
