Fossil Fuel
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Role of Coal in China’s Path to Net-Zero Emissions
China has publicly made their target to be net-zero emissions by 2060. In support of this goal, they have made significant strides in increasing their renewable energy capacity. Yet, at the same time, coal consumption has continued to rise. Without reducing coal consumption, achieving a net-zero economy is nearly impossible.
Case Study: Tsingshan Industrial Parks in Indonesia Post-China’s Coal Pledge
In light of the no-coal-power-overseas pledge by China’s President Xi Jinping and Indonesia’s commitment to no new coal power in the recent COP26, the industrial parks fueled by captive coal power in Indonesia, developed by China, face challenges and their future is dotted with question marks.
Natural Gas Outlook and Key Trends in Southeast Asia
Natural gas use in Southeast Asia will increase significantly over the next several decades. This is being fueled by governments and lenders alike. While this is a viable immediate alternative to coal and oil, it is not a long-term solution. Southeast Asian countries must continue working towards developing a robust renewable energy system.
Oil Majors Spend More on Spin, Less on “Green Hydrogen”
Several oil companies have stated goals to reduce their emissions. Often a key piece of this plan focuses on increasing natural gas production and investing in hydrogen energy. Unfortunately, there are many types of hydrogen energy and only one type is sustainable - green hydrogen. Currently, green hydrogen only accounts for a fraction of total hydrogen production.
Oil and Gas in India: What is the Way Forward?
Oil and gas play a major part of India's energy mix. Unfortunately, India remains focused on the sector, and is making substantial investment towards natural gas in the coming decades. This move remains at odds with global emissions targets and puts India at risk of missing the economic benefits of renewable energy development.
COP26: How Lack of Climate Finance Derails Coal Phase-out Agenda
The chaos around the last-minute change in the coal declaration by India, China and South Africa at COP26 has certainly made it harder to reach the 1.5-degree target. At the Glasgow UN climate summit, nations pledged to phase-out coal, reduce methane, end deforestation and support the energy transition, etc. With the USD 100 billion pledge of climate finance still not being fulfilled, small and developing countries called for climate justice. Many nations now plan to revisit their commitment by the end of 2022.
Denial by “Natural Gas Industry” and Greenwashing Practices
The oil and gas industry has been one of the most influential sectors over the past several decades, but there are signs that this may be changing. Public and private sentiment is shifting, and the spotlight is swinging towards renewables. In an attempt to slow this transition, many fossil fuel companies have increased lobbying and public outreach. Unfortunately, this has led to a rise in greenwashing. The reality is that change is happening, and it is in the best interest of these fossil fuel giants to shift with it, capitalizing on the changing market.
COP26 – With No Financing to Go Around, Cancelling All New Coal Power Plant is a Practical Move for Host Countries
China’s recent pledge solidifies a global financial trend away from coal, as several private and governmental institutions, most notably from Japan and South Korea followed by all G20 countries, have made similar announcements. Recent announcements at the COP26 climate talks from national governments also raises questions about the future of new coal plants. With several countries pledging to phase-out coal in 2040 – or the equivalent conditional on financial support – building new coal capacity will be incompatible with these carbon neutral pledges and other climate commitments.
COP26 and the Future of Hard-to-Abate Sectors in Asia
The announcements during the COP26 can be a turning point in the global energy policy. Not only because of all the new initiatives and targets for renewable energy development and coal phase-out, but also thanks to commitments to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.
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