Special reports

As we near the end of 2009, all the energy sectors are starting to show signs of recovery, from nuclear power to renewables, this can be seen in the upsurge in project commissioning.

A report has suggested that alternative energy systems will not be able to completely replace fossil fuels, and a major rethink on the dynamics of the modern world is required to adjust to the changing situation.

Currently reliant on imported gas, Italy is keen to develop its clean coal industry with a pioneering CCS demonstration plant at Porto Tolle and the construction of several high-efficiency coal-fired power plants.

Our existing fleet of fossil-fueled power plants represents a massive investment. With permits and infrastructure already in place, conversion upgrades can produce fast results at greatly reduced cost compared to new construction. Here are some ideas:

Coal mine ventilation exhaust air constitutes the largest single source of coal mine methane emissions to the at¬mosphere. Catalytic and thermal oxidation are techniques that can be used to destroy ventilation air methane (VAM) at active underground coal mines.

Mozambique, a country with vast but mostly untapped coal resources, has recently seen a number of important developments that bring it closer to becoming a major coal exporter.

The power sector has undoubtedly been hit hard by the global credit crunch. The good news is though, that we are now seeing some positive signs of recovery, with the sector beginning to slowly bounce back with more money being invested in new projects.

Oil exploration and production technology holds the key to secure CO₂ storage, a report published by the CO₂ Capture Project (CCP) has recently highlighted. The report provides a definitive treatment of the CO₂ storage subsurface technical issues and how oil and gas experience, technology and protocols are available now to address them.

Increased difficulties in obtaining utility right-of-way and the concept of utility corridors have brought pipelines into close proximity with electric power transmission/distribution systems. Metallic objects subjected to the alternating electromagnetic field will exhibit an induced voltage. Also, power conductor faults to ground can cause substantial fault currents in the underground structure.

December sees the UN climate talks in Copenhagen. Tasked with developing a new climate agreement to replace Kyoto post-2012, government negotiators, NGOs, industry, media, and other interested parties will convene to try to work out how the world can meet the challenge of climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) from coal mining activity should be an important part of the discussions.

Ongoing government plans to develop CCS technology reflect growing awareness that coal is essential to the future energy mix.

If captured and recovered for energy, coal mine methane is a cost-effective resource. Coal mines around the world are increasingly focusing on the commercially available, cost-effective opportunities to capture and use this often wasted resource.

Contrary to popular belief, the world is not running out of oil and gas; plenty still remains in the Middle East, Russia and Venezuela. The world is running out of cheap sources located in politically stable countries with open fiscal and regulatory regimes.

Rising demand for electricity at home and abroad will bolster Southeast Asian coal markets in the current financial climate.

East Asia continues to be a vital region for the world economy and the world energy market. This article looks at the four major East Asian economies, their energy markets, and their hydrocarbon processing industries.