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Jogmec makes first e-methanol investment: Correction

  • Market: E-fuels, Hydrogen, Petrochemicals
  • 09/08/24

Corrects Jogmec's acquisition of a stake in HIF Global.in paragraph 2

Japan's state-owned energy agency Jogmec is investing for the first time in the e-methanol sector since the launch of a financing scheme in 2022 to aid domestic supplies of low-carbon fuels.

Jogmec announced on 8 August that it has accepted Japanese refiner Idemitsu's application to Jogmec's overseas financing scheme for hydrogen and low-carbon fuels-related projects. Jogmec will provide $36mn to the US' HIF Global through Idemitsu's US subsidiary Idemitsu Efuels America (IEAC) and obtain an undisclosed stake in the IEAC.

Idemitsu, through IEAC, will also invest $114mn to secure an undisclosed stake in US' HIF Global.

The deal follows Idemitsu's initial agreement with HIF in March 2023 to work on production and promotion of e-fuels, along with a decision to buy e-methanol from HIF and jointly study the possible development of the fuel.

Idemitsu and Jogmec plan to import e-methanol and other synthetic fuels from HIF's projects and use them as shipping fuels, as well as feedstocks to generate synthetic fuels and petrochemical products.

HIF is targeting to produce around 4mn t/yr of e-methanol equivalent by 2030 at its production sites in Tasmania in Australia, Matagorda in the US, Magallanes in Chile and Paysandu in Uruguay.


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15/10/24

Chinese steel investment needs to avoid lock in: CBI

Chinese steel investment needs to avoid lock in: CBI

Singapore, 15 October (Argus) — Chinese investment in steel assets needs to be aligned with a Paris-compatible scenario to avoid locking in emissions and stranded assets, according to a report by non-profit Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). Almost 80pc or 730.8mn t/yr of China's existing coal-based blast furnace capacity will need to be retired or require reinvestment by 2030, CBI said in its report released last week. Steel asset lifetimes often exceed 40 years, so "investment decisions made today can lock in billions of tons of emissions and potentially billions of dollars in stranded assets", CBI added. Steel production currently accounts for around 8pc of global CO2 emissions, and almost 50pc of global steel output is from China, CBI said. China's steel sector is estimated to require at least 1.6 trillion yuan ($226bn) in fixed asset investment for decarbonisation by 2050, according to a joint report by CBI and US-based Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) earlier this year. Of the Yn1.6 trillion, 33pc should go to energy efficiency, 23pc for electric arc furnaces, 18pc for direct iron reduction (DRI), 14pc for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), 7pc for blast furnace hydrogen injection, and 5pc for pellet manufacturing. Green bonds Steel companies can obtain financing through labelled green bonds from various categories at the project level, including energy efficiency, heat recycling, waste and resource recycle, green hydrogen, biomass, and CCUS. A total of Yn4.46 trillion of labelled green bonds had originated from China in domestic and overseas markets as of the end of 2023, according to CBI. But Chinese steel firms had only issued 23 green bonds totalling Yn3.5bn and six sustainability-linked bonds totalling Yn1.6bn by the end of last year, representing 0.1pc of the total Chinese labelled bond market. This Yn5.1bn falls very short of the estimated Yn1.6 trillion needed to decarbonise the Chinese steel sector. CBI asserts that the labelled bond and loan market can supply the required capital, but issuers operating in the steel sector must be encouraged to price deals with the recommended transparency and credibility. Recommendations Several Chinese provinces have already issued provincial-level transition finance guidance, including major steel-producing Hebei province this year. But China's national-level transition finance guidance remains under development. CBI thus recommends that the national transition taxonomy further align provincial guidelines and "enhance interoperability" between Chinese and international transition taxonomies, incentivise low-carbon production methods, customise financing for small-to-medium companies, and enhance entity-level transition plans. CBI also suggests that banks incentivise companies to enhance the quality of their information disclosure and integrate such incentives into their transition frameworks. The non-profit also urged steel companies to issue credible transition plans, which should include Paris-aligned emission-reduction targets and clear capital expenditure plans. Lastly, CBI notes that policies should support hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain development to accelerate green hydrogen deployment for high-emitting sectors. This is especially as current financing to decarbonise heavy industrial sectors have mainly been for mature technologies, such as raising energy efficiency. But green hydrogen can reduce over 90pc of steel production emissions, and steady development in hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain will cut costs and accelerate the steel transition. CBI also flagged public sector steel procurement as an avenue through which the country can boost demand for green steel, especially since Chinese public authorities buy about 350mn t/yr of steel, which causes around 689mn t/yr of CO2 emissions. Green public procurement (GPP) policies in China would also have a global impact, with steel public procurement demand in China three times that of India's total steel demand of 100mn t/yr. CDI suggests that the Chinese government accelerate adopting national-level standards to ensure consistent embodied emissions reporting, as GPP policies will only be effective when implemented with standardised methodologies. By Tng Yong Li Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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China's Hubei releases hydrogen development draft plan


14/10/24
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14/10/24

China's Hubei releases hydrogen development draft plan

Mumbai, 14 October (Argus) — China's Hubei province has released a draft plan to accelerate development of its hydrogen industry by 2027, and is seeking industry feedback. The province seeks to double the scale of its hydrogen industry by that time, with a target output value of 100bn yuan ($13.7bn), according to the draft. The plan aims to promote technological breakthroughs, enhance industrial and supply chains and build a hydrogen storage and transportation network. It envisions the city of Wuhan as the core of Hubei's hydrogen industry, and it aims to establish a national hydrogen equipment centre focused on electrolysers and fuel cells. It promotes renewable hydrogen technologies, such as biomass-based hydrogen production. Hubei plans to explore pilot projects for hydrogen-blended pipelines and pure hydrogen pipelines, while prioritising construction of hydrogen refuelling stations. For transportation-related hydrogen projects, the province will provide subsidies covering up to 20pc of equipment costs, with a maximum of Yn10mn per project. The province already has 100 hydrogen refuelling stations and hydrogen production capacity of 1.5mn t/yr, according to the draft, although the vast majority, if not all, of this will be from fossil fuels with unabated emissions. To support innovation, the province offers a one-time subsidy of Yn10mn for hydrogen-related technology centres and Yn5mn for national labs and research centres. Additionally, it plans to establish a provincial hydrogen energy innovation project database, focusing on technologies like solid-state hydrogen storage and solid oxide fuel cells. For major projects, a subsidy of up to 10pc of investment is offered, capped at Yn5mn per project. The plan does not specify what counts as a major project. The province will also support key manufacturers of fuel cell components and promote fuel cell use in vehicles, ships, and power stations, according to the draft. Hubei plans to establish a provincial hydrogen energy industry alliance and encourage stakeholders to participate in setting industry standards. By Akansha Victor Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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India industries confident of 2030 renewable energy aim


14/10/24
News
14/10/24

India industries confident of 2030 renewable energy aim

Mumbai, 14 October (Argus) — Indian industries are confident about reaching the country's renewable energy target of 500GW by 2030, senior executives said at the Financial Times' Energy Transition Summit in New Delhi last week. This is especially given strong capacity installation of solar and wind projects in the coming years, delegates heard. India's renewable energy capacity stands at 199.5GW as of August, a rise of 12pc on the year, data from the Central Electricity Authority show. "India's [renewable] power sector has already grown at a [compound annual growth rate] of nearly 20pc in the last 10 years … The pace at which some of the bids are coming, we should reach 500GW by 2030," said domestic utility Tata Power's chief executive officer Praveer Sinha. A record 69GW of renewable energy tenders were issued during the April 2023-March 2024 fiscal year, surpassing the government-mandated target of 50GW. Tata Power is operating 4.5GW installed capacity of renewable energy that produced 64.6Th of electricity in the April 2023-March 2024 fiscal year. It aims to add another 5GW of installed capacity in the coming years, underscoring its commitment to providing round-the-clock renewable energy through solar, wind, and pumped hydro storage projects, Sinha added. Indian steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) also plans to add 1GW/yr of renewable energy capacity for its captive power consumption, managing director Dilip Oommen said. AMNS has developed a 975MW hybrid renewable energy project at Alamuru village in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The project will generate 661MW of solar and 314MW of wind power capacity, which will be integrated with a pumped hydro storage facility owned by renewables developer Greenko to overcome the intermittent nature of wind and solar power generation, ensuring round-the-clock power. Power generated from the solar and wind sites will be connected from Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district via a 400kV interstate transmission system up to AMNS' Hazria facility. The firm is also considering using hydrogen in its electric arc furnace, but remains skeptical about the cost economics. "At present, the cost of hydrogen is $3.50/kg," Oommen said, adding that if this falls below $2/kg, it would be feasible for commercial use at its facilities. The reduction in the cost of renewable power generation over the last few years has also raised interest in the sector, incentivising the coal-dominated eastern regions of India to adopt renewables, said Indian independent power provider Ampin Energy's chief executive officer Pinaki Bhattacharya. The domestic steel sector, one of the country's largest carbon emitters, is looking at ways to reduce emissions in light of the policies under the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which will take effect on 1 January 2026. This was echoed during a session on 9 October when India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted that India has been consistent in promoting domestic investment in renewables and establishing transmission lines. But she described CBAM as "a trade barrier" that could hurt investment in India's heavy industries and hinderthe country's transition away from fossil fuels. CBAM is a "unilateral" and "arbitrary" measure, which would "not be helpful" for India, she said, adding that India's concerns "would definitely be voiced" with the EU. Her sentiments were in line with that of commerce minister Piyush Goyal, who said last year that India will not accept any unfair taxes on steel that the EU imposes under the CBAM. Coal to renewables switch "We are not on track yet to displace coal," said Indian not-for-profit thinktank Centre for Science and Environment's director general Sunita Narain, when asked about India's transition from coal to renewables, considering that coal still dominates the country's electricity mix. Renewable energy generation capacity has currently increased to 13pc of the total electricity mix, but the country needs to hit the 35pc target by 2030, she added. India's power generation continues to rely on coal because of an abundant supply of the fuel as well as its cheaper price over other alternatives. Out of India's total installed capacity of 451GW, coal comprises 48.27pc, followed by solar at 19.84pc and wind at 10.47pc, as of August, data from government think tank Niti Aayog show. By Ankit Rathore Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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IEA: Renewable growth by 2030 to fall short of tripling


09/10/24
News
09/10/24

IEA: Renewable growth by 2030 to fall short of tripling

London, 9 October (Argus) — Paris-based energy watchdog the IEA expects renewable additions to grow by 2.7 times by 2030, according to its 2024 report. This would surpass most individual countries' targets, but fall short of the target set at last year's Cop 28 gathering of tripling growth. Solar photovoltaic (PV) additions are forecast to drive this growth, making up 80pc of new power plants by 2030. China is expected to be responsible for 60pc of this growth, the IEA said. With 670GW of new renewable capacity added so far in 2024 — a 20pc increase on the year — the IEA expects half of global energy generation to come from renewables by 2030. The EU is expected to double the pace of renewable capacity growth between 2024 and 2030. While the IEA sees renewable growth being driven increasingly by the market rather than government policies, executive director Fatih Birol deems slow grid connection the biggest hurdle facing expansion. The average wait for a connection permit is seven years for wind and five for solar. And lead author of the report, Heymi Bahar, added that PV manufacturers have been limiting expansion investment in response to a supply glut, with forecast manufacturing capacity for 2030 revised down from last year's report because of the financial risk facing smaller producers and negative net margins. The report also highlights the need for more investment in wind turbine manufacturing. Despite estimates that electricity generated from renewables will almost double by 2030, the IEA sees renewable fuels — bioenergy, biogas, hydrogen and e-fuels — expanding by just 28pc by 2030, and making up less than 6pc of the energy mix. Europe is also expected see a 6pc increase in renewable fuel demand between 2023 and 2030. Geothermal, tidal and concentrated solar power growth is expected to decline because of a lack of policy support, while hydro is expected to account for less than 1pc of global renewable additions by 2030. By Bea Leverett Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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IEA raises Australian renewable power capacity forecast


09/10/24
News
09/10/24

IEA raises Australian renewable power capacity forecast

Sydney, 9 October (Argus) — Australia is expected to add more than 52GW of renewable power capacity over 2024-30, with 57pc of the country's electricity generation coming from renewable sources in 2030, Paris-based energy watchdog the IEA announced today. The forecast revision in the IEA's Renewables 2024 report released on 9 October is 2pc higher than the 2023 estimate, it said, although the previous annual report included forecasts up to 2028, with a 49pc renewable share expected for that year. The country's share of renewables in 2023 was around 34pc, according to the IEA. Australia is expected to add around 52.2GW of new capacity between 2024-30 under the IEA's main case scenario, led by utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) at 18.6GW, onshore wind at 15.3GW and distributed solar PV at 13.8GW. Hydropower capacity additions are forecast to reach 2.3GW over that period, while renewables dedicated to hydrogen production total 2.2GW. The IEA expects additions to gradually rise in the coming years, from 5.4GW in 2024 and 5.5GW in 2025 to 6GW in 2026, 6.9GW in 2027 and 8GW in 2028. Additions would peak in 2029 at 11.5GW and fall back to 9GW in 2030. Australia is targeting an 82pc share of renewable sources in nationwide electricity generation by 2030, with the federal government expanding its Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) and launching the first major 6GW tender in May . Tenders will run every six months until 2026-27 for a total of 32GW, consisting of 23GW of renewables — solar, wind and hydro — and 9GW of dispatchable capacity such as pumped hydro and grid-scale batteries, all to be in operation by 2030. Apart from the CIS scheme, corporate demand for renewable energy — mostly through power purchase agreements — and continued growth in distributed solar PV will contribute to the increase in renewable capacity in Australia, stated the IEA. Challenges for utility-scale additions include curtailment, which remains high because of grid constraints, and lengthy connection wait times, the IEA said, although new rules could ease these delays. "Should some or all of these issues be addressed, our accelerated case indicates that growth could be nearly 20pc higher," it said, noting that new renewable capacity could reach nearly 63GW over 2024-30 in that instance. By Juan Weik Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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