Asia Energy

A wave of new developments in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) upstream energy sector is under way, including the exploration of new fields and the signing of a deal that could affect the timing of the country’s second liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

Extensive oil shale reserves could reduce Mongolia’s dependence on imported energy, but there is some uncertainty over whether its deposits are commercially viable.

While abroad Brunei Darussalam might be best known for its substantial hydrocarbons reserves, at home authorities are turning their attention to more “green” forms of energy, including solar. However, compared to some of its South-east Asian neighbours, the Sultanate has set more modest goals and has been slower to develop alternatives to oil and gas.

With oil and gas imports weighing on its trade balance, Indonesia is taking steps to reduce domestic demand for fuel and boost local refinery capacity. These moves come as the International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a report projecting that energy demand in the South-east Asian country is set to nearly double over the next two decades.

Energy consumption in Thailand is set to jump by 75% over the coming two decades as the economy expands and a more affluent society takes to the roads in increasing numbers, according to a new report. However, this new growth and mobility will come at a cost, with dependence on oil imports set to rise and increasing susceptibility to external price shocks.

Looking to diversify its energy sources, Mongolia is stepping up efforts to expand the value-added content of its coal industry through developing a coal-to-liquids capacity, a move that could reduce energy import costs and provide cleaner fuel.