Asia’s electricity demand continues to surge, and an “all-of-the-above” strategy appears to have emerged as countries are investing in all forms of electric power generation. For the global gas and LNG industry, the future of gas-fired power is a big question for future gas supply and demand. In many parts of Asia, gas faces cost competitiveness challenges, but it is considered a greener fuel with an environmental premium over coal. At the same time, it requires significant value chain development and investment—from regasification terminals to pipelines—as well as stable gas supply. Which markets are moving faster to develop new gas-fired power plants in emerging Asia? What are the key opportunities and challenges facing gas-for-power? Is there a case for integrated value chain development from gas/LNG resource procurement to downstream infrastructure investment?
As countries grapple with the increased emphasis for a low-carbon pathway, renewable power development is a fast-growing sector that offers the promise of zero emissions for their electricity needs. Policies are changing rapidly, with many countries abandoning feed-in-tariffs for an auction system that resulted in eye-catching offers for new power purchase agreements. What are some of the developments accelerating renewable adoption in Asia? How will markets adapt their power systems to accommodate more renewables when they have traditionally been built to support thermal generation units? As project developers seek capital, how will the roles of local and international banks evolve in this new environment? What are some of the changing policies accelerating renewable adoption in Asia’s fuel mix?
Solar and wind power costs globally have dropped rapidly during the past decade. Renewable project tender prices and feed-in tariffs are also dropping across the world. Many believe aggressive cost declines are still possible and will likely allow renewables to reach parity with conventional power very soon. How will technological development, scale of manufacturing, and local development experience build-up continue to affect costs for wind and solar? When should we expect renewable costs to become competitive with thermal generation costs? Will storage cost fall fast enough to allow system-wide costs of firm renewable power also reach parity with conventional power?