Asia Energy
Asia’s gas utilities are politically shielded but economically exposed
Many of the region’s gas distributors enjoy the safety net of being government-related entities and are ‘protected’ to a large extent. Their credit profiles are, in reality, extensions of sovereign ratings rather than stand-alone assessments.
Seoul’s energy balancing act up to 2050: then green power for the win
In the northeast corner of East Asia, South Korea is quietly steering its energy future towards a delicate pro-nuclear, pro-renewables outcome. With eyes fixed firmly on 2050, policymakers in the capital Seoul are doubling down.
China accused of escalating Taiwan tensions with oil drilling in disputed waters
By placing energy platforms in contested waters, China is signalling both defiance of international rulings and a willingness to tighten the squeeze on Taiwan.
India set to boost Russian oil imports despite US tariffs
Indian imports of Russian oil are expected to increase in September as New Delhi presses ahead with purchases despite new US punitive tariffs
South Korea, the US come together on nuclear deals
South Korean and US companies have signed agreements to advance nuclear energy projects, aiming to meet rising data centre power demands, support AI growth, and strengthen the US nuclear fuel supply chain.
China takes Russian oil shipments usually bound for India amid shifting trade flows
At its peak, Russia was India’s largest single supplier of crude, commanding a 36% share of the market. In 2024 alone, New Delhi imported $53bn worth of oil and crude products from Russia.
Taiwan’s vote to switch on nuclear power falls short
A total of 4.34mn (74.2%) people supported restarting the Third Nuclear Power Plant, compared with the 1.51mn (25.8%) who opposed, but the vote required at least a quarter of all eligible citizens (5mn) in favour to pass.
Bangladesh’s rooftop solar ambitions face tight deadlines and systemic challenges
Bangladesh’s ambitious target of adding 3,000 megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar capacity by December 2025 risks falling short due to technical, financial and institutional hurdles, according to a new report
Taiwan’s solar revolution faces persistent challenges
Analysts see national projections as doubtful at best given finite land resources, societal friction and the levels of corruption at the local level to get projects started.
Sanctions on Russia push India to send diesel to China for first time since 2021
India’s Nayara Energy, which has ties to Russia’s Rosneft, is shipping diesel to China for the first time in more than four years, as European Union sanctions disrupt its petroleum exports
Indonesia and Malaysia seek peaceful path in Ambalat Sea standoff
The Ambalat region, located in the Sulawesi Sea, has long been contested due to overlapping claims and its strategic importance for oil and gas exploration.
South Korea awaits decision on lifespan extension for ageing reactors
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has halted operations at unit 4 of the Kori nuclear facility as it awaits a government ruling on extending the service life of reactors past 40 years.
US doubles tariffs on India over Russian oil
The US has intensified trade pressure on India by announcing a sharp increase in tariffs on key exports, citing India's continued purchases of Russian oil
Indian opposition blames government on Trump threats
Under President Donald Trump’s second term his administration has taken a much more hawkish stance that Indian purchases enable Russia to weather sanctions and indirectly fund its war effort
Rosatom may whiff on Kazakh nuclear project due to financing yips
Chinese firm teed up to replace Russian entity on project
Can India dump Russian oil imports completely if Trump’s secondary sanctions appear?
Since early 2024 India has typically bought 1.5–2.0 mbpd of Russian crude, or about 35–40% of its total imports. US President Donald Trump is threatening crushing 100% tariffs on Russia’s business partners if they continue to import crude.
China launches first interprovincial green hydrogen pipeline from Inner Mongolia to Beijing
Despite its promise, the project’s success may ultimately rest on market uptake. If industrial demand for hydrogen fails to keep pace with supply - or if pricing frameworks are not supportive - the pipeline could struggle.
Indian state refiners halt Russian oil purchases as discounts narrow, Trump ramps up pressure
Indian state-run oil refiners have paused purchases of Russian crude over the past week amid shrinking discounts and renewed warnings from US President Donald Trump against buying energy from Moscow
India’s refiners face pressure as EU sanctions hit $14bn fuel exports
India’s petroleum exports to the European Union—valued at $14–15bn annually—are under threat following the EU’s latest sanctions package targeting Russian crude and its derivatives.