In this episode of Energy Insights, Energy Tracker Asia speaks with Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney, a leading energy transition consultant with expertise in solar, wind, and hydrogen projects. Dr. Varshney is a Women in Clean Energy Fellow at EnergyLab Australia, an award-winning science communicator, and has published over 15 papers on silicon solar cell defects. She has shared her insights globally, including at Oxford University and KU Leuven.

In today’s discussion, Dr. Varshney talks about the critical role of women in driving the energy transition and the importance of gender inclusivity in energy leadership. She highlights the challenges women face in technical and consulting roles, the significance of diversity in energy decision-making, and how policy changes can create a more equitable industry. Dr. Varshney also shares her perspective on the future of clean energy solutions, including solar and hydrogen, and how gender equality can accelerate the global energy transition.

Tune in to hear from Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney as she discusses how women are shaping the future of energy and why diversity is crucial to achieving sustainable and innovative energy systems.

Follow Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney’s work and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from women in energy leadership.

LinkedIn: Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney

Japan has secured a historic LNG deal with the United States, a move positioned as a step towards greater energy security. However, this decision raises pressing questions about its alignment with climate commitments and its broader influence on regional energy policies. As the world accelerates towards decarbonisation, is this agreement a necessary short-term measure or a prolonged dependence on fossil fuels?

Read the article here:
https://energytracker.asia/japan-to-buy-record-amounts-of-lng-from-us-after-trump-and-ishiba-meet/

In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the complexities behind Japan’s LNG expansion, examining the strategic motivations driving this shift, the geopolitical and economic implications, and its potential impact on Southeast Asia’s energy transition. While LNG is often presented as a cleaner alternative to coal, its long-term role remains controversial. The environmental consequences, financial risks, and infrastructure commitments tied to LNG could influence Japan’s ability to meet its decarbonisation targets and shift focus away from renewables.

This deal is about more than just energy; it reflects Japan’s approach to economic security, international diplomacy, and sustainable development. As LNG infrastructure expands, the key question remains: does this strengthen Japan’s position in a volatile energy landscape, or does it lock the region into extended fossil fuel reliance at a time when the world is pivoting towards clean energy?

In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the critical issue of captive coal power in Indonesia, a significant obstacle to the country’s 2040 coal phase-out target. Captive coal plants, which operate off-grid to supply energy to industries like nickel production, are expanding rapidly, locking industries into long-term fossil fuel dependency. This episode examines the environmental and public health impacts of this trend, highlighting projections of increased air pollution and premature deaths if reliance on captive coal continues unchecked.

The discussion also addresses the economic risks of fossil fuel dependency, including stranded assets and reduced global competitiveness in a world moving toward renewable energy. Indonesia’s immense renewable energy potential, particularly in solar, wind, and geothermal power, offers a clear path forward. The conversation explores how policy reforms, technological innovation, and international collaboration can accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems, aligning Indonesia’s energy future with global climate goals.

Discover how Indonesia can overcome the challenges posed by captive coal, harness its vast renewable resources, and lead Southeast Asia’s energy transition towards a sustainable and equitable future.

Read more on this topic here:
https://energytracker.asia/captive-coal-in-indonesia