RIAC Digest
Energy Networks
in Asia Pacific:
Intricate and Booming
In this special edition of RIAC monthly digest of international publications we have tried to gather up some interesting articles, briefs and long reads on energy networks in the Asia Pacific. Fossil fuel, electricity, renewables – we managed to build a bigger picture and break it up into smaller pieces to give detailed analysis and outline future trends.

Big Picture of Energy Networks in Asia Pacific
Big Picture of Energy Networks in Asia Pacific
Picture: Flikr/Peter Novacco/Singapore Ghost Fleet
To kick off this digest, here is a solid 300-page long overview featured by Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre. Though is shows dynamics from 2014 and given that 2015 is still on the run this is a good start for building picture of energy networks in the Asia Pacific. A lot of tables and graphs on all the APEC countries and their energy export-import ratios will lead the reader through intricate trade relations between economies. Oil, gas, coal, renewable energy – all the puzzle pieces and more.

APEC economic trend analysis is also a solid addition to the bigger picture. Even though here is a lot of information on economies and finance, an attentive reader will find correlation between economy growth and energy demand.

Just to fit the APEC overview into world picture, here is a very recent World Energy Issues monitor edition. If you scroll down directly to the regional and national agenda, there you will find Asian countries and their contribution to the world energy pool.


Let's clean up!
Asian Development Bank features a policy brief on cross-border power trading in South Asia. Diversity in primary energy sources in South Asian countries and their electricity demand patterns open up opportunities for greater use of cheaper, cleaner resources for electricity generation, reducing fossil fuel use in the region.




Picture: Flikr/Andrew Price/Tetris Magnets

How does the US see Asian energy cooperation?
Here is a midterm prognosis on the Asian energy markets made by American Enterprise Institute. 86 pages of analysis and suggestions how Asian energy markets will look like in 2030. Starting from energy classics – oil and gas – to notorious shale revolution, this publication is a good example of regional perspective on the coming development. A not-to-miss piece.
Alternative energy scenario
Some slides on the alternative energy scenario always help to get the fuzziness away and establish priorities. Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre gives an overview of the alternative energy sources, the amount of product extracted and deposits exploited, and various scenarios of clean transport development. Brief, neat and to the point – what else is there to want from a presentation?

Picture: Dominic Sansoni / World Bank

Indian Gas – Closer Look
Indian Gas – Closer Look
China and India are known for their unbelievable population numbers. Countries' energy demand is growing with rocket speed and will not slow in the years to come. However, India has to work on its internal issues concerning gas price formula. Oxford has featured quite a thorough analysis on the possible implications of the 2014 Indian gas reform. This paper analyzes whether or not recent reforms to the pricing of domestic gas could potentially change the Indian gas landscape by making price signals clearer. It investigates three important questions: First, could gas pricing reforms reverse the recent decline in domestic production? Second, could they lead to new upstream investments in gas? Finally, what is the impact of the reforms on downstream consuming sectors?

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Japan is so Green
Japan is so Green
Japanese Institute for sustainable energy policies makes an account of the Japanese renewables. Nine bullet points show clearly what aspects are taken into consideration when making this factsheet. Each graph contains very detailed information and numbers on dynamics and perspectives on the future of green energy in Japan.

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Korean Energy Demand Outlook
Korean Energy Demand Outlook
30-pages account on the Korean energy demand outlook. What there is to know about energy demand in South Korea, you will find in this long read. A solid contribution to the overall picture of energy networks in the Asia Pacific. Just to spice things up a bit – here is another piece on South Korean energy demand, this time on dwelling on coal.

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Russian Gas Export Strategy
Russian Gas Export Strategy
Here is another thorough piece by Oxford team, this time on Russian gas strategy. It examines the emerging trends in Russia's export strategy, identifying the key political drivers as well as the commercial factors that are influencing policy making. It analyses the catalysts behind Russia's "pivot to Asia" in the gas sector, assesses the likelihood of this strategy being a success and argues that Europe will remain of vital importance as a major market for Russian gas for the foreseeable future.

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Example of How It Can Be Done
REUTERS/Nguyen Thanh Cao/Pixstream
Flikr/Oshadee Siyaguna Udarata Manike
Asian Development Bank research center has issued numerous factsheets and briefs where success stories are analyzed. Two countries, often missed out when we speak about the Asia Pacific, - Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. Both pieces dwell upon assessment of power sector reform in these countries. Given their size and national particularities, these briefs come in handy and of interest for structuring energy networks in the region. And to glaze it up, here is a topical publication on improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions through intelligent railway station building. Though the report aims at China, this could be a template for other countries in the region.
Go East, Young Oilman!
To draw a line to this digest, here is a great article on Foreign Affairs on how Asia is shaping the future of global energy. You will find everything there is to know on modern energy trends in Asia and how they will influence future development, including green technologies and fossil fuels.
Produced by Maria Gurova and Dmitry Puminov
© 2015 Russian International Affairs Council
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