Commentary
China‘s energy transition: is it really under way?
In the first two months of the year China’s government published preliminary data for 2014 on the economy as a whole and on energy production and consumption. This appears to show that China is indeed undergoing … Continue Reading ›› 
At the Energy Studies Institute (ESI) we have recently completed a study examining the outlook for unconventional gas production in East Asia, focusing on shale gas and coal-bed methane in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. We paid particular attention to the ‘above ground’ factors which may support or constrain production.
Our … Continue Reading ›› 
The current low level of international energy prices will not only affect China’s macro-economy and its domestic energy sector, as discussed in last month’s column, but it will also have some consequences for the country’s international engagement in the energy arena.
Whilst low prices have the potential to reduce the country’s … Continue Reading ›› 
The drop in oil prices is good news for China, but poses some questions relating to gas policy.
By the second week of December 2014, international prices for crude oil had fallen to just above US$ 60 per barrel, 40% down from their levels of … Continue Reading ›› 
Achieving a peak of 10 gigatonnes by 2030 is achievable, but it will require a combination of strong management and good luck.
The Presidents of China and the USA surprised the world at the APEC summit in Beijing by announcing a deal that would … Continue Reading ›› 
China’s government has recently announced two sets of measures to restrict imports of coal: the first seeks to limit the use of dirty coal and the second re-imposes tariffs on imported coal.
On 15th September 2014, China’s National Development and Reform Commission issued its “Interim Measures for Quality Management … Continue Reading ›› 
China's cities face challenges of traffic congestion and air pollution that continue to resist easy solutions.
China will struggle to raise the share of gas in the energy mix in line with government targets.
All governments that take their responsibilities seriously face the challenge of balancing economic and social priorities with those relating to energy and the environment. For China, this challenge is particularly fraught given the structure of its economy and energy mix. In order to achieve a balance these priorities … Continue Reading ›› 