Asia Energy
Inside the municipal scramble for Seoul’s nuclear future
Regional authorities across South Korea are currently engaged in a high-stakes struggle to secure the nation's debut small modular reactor installation, lured by the promise of vast financial dividends.
Blackouts in the Philippines as power bills soar
The Philippines is grappling with a national energy emergency as soaring fuel prices and extreme heat drive up utility costs and trigger rotational blackouts across the provinces, reported various local officials on April 26.
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
A growing chorus of analysts from Moscow, Beijing and Washington think tanks argues that the US campaign against Iran was really aimed at China's oil supply chain, making Tehran the prequel to a longer confrontation
Iran claims bypass to US naval blockade using Jask port
Iran is bypassing the US naval blockade by using the Jask port on the Gulf of Oman, sustaining oil exports to China at 985,000 barrels per day with Vortexa data showing 10.7mn barrels of crude transited through the strait between April 13 and 22.
India accelerates transport electrification as fuel supply risks mount
The Middle East crisis has shown that energy transition in transport is not just an environmental goal but a national security imperative for India.
COMMENT: Why China is hedging for now in the Middle East
As the US-Israel-Iran war enters its second month, one of the most consequential geopolitical actors has been conspicuous by its silence. China has not intervened, has not condemned, and has not chosen sides in any meaningful public way.
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UAE warns it could sell oil in yuan if dollar liquidity crunch hits
The UAE has warned Washington it could switch to yuan or other currencies to settle oil sales in the event of a severe dollar shortage, with reserves at $270bn as Gulf state faces mounting Iran war pressure.
China backs US-Iran ceasefire and talks
China's Wang Yi has told Iran's foreign minister Araghchi that Beijing supports the ceasefire and ongoing US-Iran talks, saying a window for peace is opening amid the war.
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Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not.
Falling battery prices make round-the-clock solar power supply viable in India
A recent report by energy think tank Ember says that declining battery storage costs have reached a level where it makes it economically viable for solar power to supply most of India’s electricity demand.
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Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian oil hit a 13-year high before the ceasefire as Moscow pivots to "strategic energy partner" for the Global South. Kremlin says it is fielding "an enormous number" of requests for energy supplies as trade flows shift.
Meloni visits Gulf to cement Italy's energy ties as European rift with US over Iran widens
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni concluded a two-day tour of the Persian Gulf on April 4, meeting the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to shore up Italy's energy security as Iranian attacks on GCC countries continue.
Jurong Island’s output cut triggers $1.64 petrol spike in Australia
Singapore’s reclaimed oil refining region, the 32-square-kilometre Jurong Island, has become the primary driver of record-high petrol prices in Australia as Middle East supply shocks ripple through the Asia-Pacific energy corridor.
Singapore’s path towards nuclear energy use
Singapore is taking another step toward the possible deployment of nuclear power, with the National Environment Agency announcing plans to commission three studies focused on nuclear safety standards and environmental safeguards.
Iran could earn $60bn a year from Strait of Hormuz tariffs, economist says
An Iranian economist says controlling the Strait of Hormuz could generate $60bn a year in transit tariffs for Tehran.
India adopts multi front fertiliser strategy as West Asia crisis unfolds
The biggest short term vulnerability for Indian energy security is liquified petroleum gas using in cooking - of which India imports over half of its consumption demand via the Strait of Hormuz.
Bangladesh’s power sector at a crossroads
With the Middle East in turmoil, the new Bangladesh government faces a critical moment in its power and energy landscape.
Losers and winners from the Qatari LNG disruption
While European and Asian importers have been hit hard by the disruption in Qatari LNG to varying degrees, the crisis has both short- and long-term benefits for US exporters and other LNG competitors.
The Philippines declares national energy emergency
The Philippines has declared a nationwide energy emergency, becoming the first country to take such a step in response to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Bangladesh nears launch of first nuclear power plant
Bangladesh is set to bring its first nuclear reactor online within months, marking a long-delayed milestone as the country struggles with severe energy shortages linked to disruptions in the Middle East.