Accelerating Decarbonization Progress in the Asia Pacific Region

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The Asia Pacific region must take immediate action to identify and adopt innovative and scalable low-carbon infrastructure in order to accelerate its decarbonization progress. This urgent call comes from Black & Veatch, a renowned global leader in critical infrastructure solutions.

While the transition to renewable energy and alternative fuels is crucial for reducing carbon emissions, it poses numerous challenges. Renewable energy projects will become larger and more complex, often located in remote areas that require grid connectivity. The development of new energy sources for export and the production of green hydrogen will test existing commercial models. Moreover, repurposing coal infrastructure into essential “bridging” decarbonization assets necessitates fair and just financing for local communities and businesses.

However, amidst these challenges, there are abundant opportunities in the Asia Pacific to integrate a diverse array of generation, transmission, and distribution technologies that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. At Black & Veatch, their commitment to building critical energy infrastructure positions them at the forefront of supporting the rising energy needs in the Asia Pacific region with low and no-carbon energy solutions.

As economies in the Asia Pacific region transition from carbon-based to electron- and molecule-based, the focus lies in finding the right energy mix for both short-term requirements and long-term sustainability. Variations in energy access and needs call for a wide range of solutions.

One such solution is liquefied natural gas (LNG), which can aid in shifting away from coal and provide the additional energy mix required for developing markets to fuel economic growth sustainably.

Energy storage technologies, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH), play a vital role in enhancing energy security by balancing fluctuations in power production from variable renewable energy resources. These technologies improve grid reliability and stability.

Looking ahead, hydrogen holds immense potential as a seasonal energy storage solution and as a transformative element for utilities, commercial businesses, and industries seeking sustainable operations.

To address voltage and frequency variability and grid code requirements across the region, well-planned and designed transmission systems, including interconnection lines, substations, and switching facilities, are essential.

At the upcoming Future Energy Asia 2024 event, Narsingh Chaudhary, President of Black & Veatch, will present global best practices for scaling low-carbon technologies in carbon reduction. Chaudhary will share insights into the role of gas and LNG as transitional fuels.

Other topics that Black & Veatch subject matter experts will delve into at the event include enabling the integration of renewable energy with smart grid technologies, cross-industry collaborations advancing climate action and innovation, optimizing solar PV and BESS deployments, and exploring the utilization of green hydrogen.

For more information, please contact Black & Veatch.

About Black & Veatch:

Black & Veatch is a globally recognized and 100% employee-owned engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction company with a proven track record in sustainable infrastructure innovation. Since 1915, they have been dedicated to improving the resilience and reliability of critical infrastructure assets worldwide, ultimately enhancing the lives of people across the globe. Stay updated with their work on their official website www.bv.com and their social media channels.

The Asia Pacific region is facing the urgent need to accelerate its decarbonization progress by adopting innovative and scalable low-carbon infrastructure. Black & Veatch, a global leader in critical infrastructure solutions, emphasizes the importance of immediate action in this regard.

Current market trends in the Asia Pacific region show a strong shift towards renewable energy and alternative fuels as a means to reduce carbon emissions. However, this transition poses several challenges. Renewable energy projects are becoming larger and more complex, often located in remote areas that require grid connectivity. The development of new energy sources for export, as well as the production of green hydrogen, also present challenges to existing commercial models. Additionally, repurposing coal infrastructure into decarbonization assets requires fair and just financing for local communities and businesses.

Despite these challenges, there are abundant opportunities in the region to integrate a diverse array of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable energy generation, transmission, and distribution technologies. Black & Veatch is at the forefront of supporting the region’s rising energy needs with low and no-carbon energy solutions.

One of the solutions highlighted is liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a means to shift away from coal and provide the necessary energy mix for sustainable economic growth in developing markets.

Energy storage technologies, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH), play a vital role in enhancing energy security by balancing fluctuations in power production from variable renewable energy resources. These technologies improve grid reliability and stability.

Hydrogen is also mentioned as holding immense potential as a seasonal energy storage solution and as a transformative element for utilities, commercial businesses, and industries seeking sustainable operations.

To address voltage and frequency variability and grid code requirements in the Asia Pacific region, well-planned and designed transmission systems, including interconnection lines, substations, and switching facilities, are essential.

There are several advantages to accelerating decarbonization progress in the Asia Pacific region. It would contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and combatting climate change. It would also drive the development of innovative and scalable low-carbon infrastructure, which can create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, it would enhance energy security, improve grid reliability and stability, and pave the way for sustainable operations in various industries.

However, there are also challenges and controversies associated with the subject. The transition to low-carbon infrastructure requires substantial investments and funding, which can be a challenge for some countries in the region. There may also be resistance from industries and stakeholders reliant on traditional carbon-based infrastructure. Additionally, ensuring a fair and just transition for local communities and businesses impacted by the repurposing of coal infrastructure is a key challenge.

For more information about Black & Veatch and their work in advancing decarbonization progress in the Asia Pacific region, you can visit their official website bv.com.

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