Fueling Asia's Recovery

Limits to leapfrogging in energy technologies? Evidence from the Chinese automobile industry

“…Given its increasing dependence on the Middle East, China has predictably signed major oil exploration and production contracts with a number of foreign countries including Peru, Sudan, Iraq, Venezuela, and Kazakhstan during the past 10 years to assure itself of oil supplies into the future (Xu, 2000b). These deals are worth at least US$5.5 billion (Yergin et al, 1998). Most mid-range estimates for future Chinese automotive oil consumption range between 4 and 7 million barrels per day by 2020 (He and Wang, 2001;Kobos et al, 2003;Gallagher, 2003).…”

Natural gas in east Siberia and the Russian far east: A view from the Chinese corner

“…Though steps have been taken to raise energy prices, especially in China, 40 foreign investors in major gas projects will require a guaranteed level of price that provides a suitable rate of return, and a guarantee that the payments will be made. 41 In light of these considerations, the project which appears to be the most attractive is the Kovyktinskoye field in the Irkutsk region with a pipeline to China. The existing level of proven reserves is insufficient to sustain full capacity of 32 billion cubic metres per year (ban) 42 for more than twenty years, but it appears that more reserves will be confirmed nearby.…”