Ep 28 Energy transition in China with Cory Combs

Cory Combs, Head of critical minerals and supply chain research at Trivium China, is back on the show to cover the energy transition in China. When it comes to energy transition, China is arguably the most dynamic geography globally, leading in many sectors.   Cory and Benjamin discussed a wide range of topics: power market reform, the explosive EV market, battery materials, and the latest developments on critical minerals.

Jean-Louis Neves Mandelli and Frederic Draps, Partners at Arshurst, shared key insights on the new power development plan (RUPTL 2025-2034) and the Indonesian power sector. Drawing on over 10 years of experience covering the market, Jean-Louis and Fred discussed the main takeaways from the RUPTL, the role of private IPPs under the new plan, key challenges, and important considerations for investing in Indonesia’s power sector.

Scott Hsu, Head of Taiwan and the Philippines at K2 Management, provides insights into the development of the offshore wind industry in both regions.   As the project director for Formosa 1 - the first offshore wind project in Taiwan - Scott has witnessed the industry’s evolution from its inception.   He discusses recent developments in Taiwan, including the shift to Corporate PPAs, the relaxation of localization requirements, and the challenges the sector has faced in recent years. Additionally, he highlights the rapid growth of the offshore wind industry in the Philippines, where numerous developers are actively investing in the sector.

Kartikey Hariyani, CEO of Charge Zone, an EV charging infrastructure company in India, speaks about his experience funding the company, the EV charging landscape in India and how to develop and grow in this dynamic market.

Marnix Schrijner and David Plunkett, Head of power market and Korea market expert at Afry, a power market consultancy, are sharing their views on the Korean power market and the latest developments in the Korean offshore wind sector. The two power experts delved into the Korean power market structure, the 11th basic plan, the Korean framework for the offshore wind sector, the result of last year offshore wind auction and the significant changes in this year offshore wind auction mechanism.

Shobhan Dhir, critical minerals analyst at the IEA, presents the key insights from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Critical Minerals Outlook 2024, the latest developments in the EV market, and the different battery cathode chemistries. As part of our conversation, we also covered the supply and demand of two critical minerals that are playing an essential role in the energy transition copper and lithium.   Read the Critical minerals outlook 2024

Cormac O'Laoire, Managing Director at Electrios Energy and head of strategy at Green Li-on presents the different EV battery cathode chemistries. After an early career in academics, Cormac spent over 10 years in Hong Kong following the development of the battery supply chain. In our conversation, we will cover subjects such as the main chemistries, NMC, NCA, LFP, the role played by Korea and China in the industry and latest development of LMFP, sodium iron and solid-state batteries.

Mathieu Geze, Director for Asia at HDF Energy, an European IPP specialised in hydrogen solutions, shares his view on the challenges of decarbonising small grids and how HDF Energy can provide a green baseload solution combining solar, battery and a hydrogen system.   Based in Indonesia, Mathieu explains why HDF Energy has opted to start developing projects in the country and shares the challenges and successes of his journey developing projects in Eastern Indonesia.

Mike Thomas, Founder and Managing Director at the Lantau Group explained the ins and outs of the Singapore electricity market and discussed the project to import renewable electricity into Singapore from neighbouring countries. Mike shared his over 30 years of energy analyst experience and described the main drivers of the electricity market in Singapore.

Thomas Briault, Energy leader at Arup in South East Asia discussed the hydrogen value chain. He explained with talent how hydrogen is being produced, stored, transported, and used and its potential to decarbonise the world.