Australia–Japan energy partnerships for regional security and decarbonisation
Celeste Koravos A B *A
B
Celeste Koravos is Japan Country Manager and Principal Consultant (GX and & Decarbonisation) at Xodus Group. She focusses on the energy transition in Japan, Australia and regionally, including through partnerships in CCS, hydrogen/ammonia, offshore wind and critical minerals. Celeste holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Hons)/Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/Diploma of Language (Japanese) from Monash University. As a dual-qualified lawyer and engineer, she has worked on large-scale projects in Australia and Asia, from various angles. Celeste studied Law in Japan at Meiji University and Global Resilient Leadership at Waseda Business School/Wharton School/Nissan Global Foundation, both in Tokyo. Celeste is CEO of the Australia Japan Business Council of Victoria, where she has volunteered for over ten years. The AJBCV is purposed to build the bilateral relationship between Victoria and Japan through business, education and culture. |
Abstract
Australia and Japan stand at a pivotal juncture in their energy futures, with shared imperatives of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability. As key players in the global energy landscape, their collaboration holds the potential to shape the trajectory of the Indo-Pacific’s energy transition, as outlined in Japan’s ‘New Plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP). A central aspect of this collaboration involves securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Australia to Japan and the region while simultaneously decarbonising the supply chain through carbon capture and storage (CCS) and advancing hydrogen technologies. Both nations recognise the significance of natural gas in ensuring regional energy security and affordability. Japan, heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly LNG, is motivated by past crises and geopolitical tensions to diversify its energy sources. The partnership between Australia and Japan not only addresses Japan’s energy needs but also influences the power dynamics within the Indo-Pacific. Challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and policy shifts dampen confidence for Japanese investors in Australia’s energy sector. Despite this, CCS technology offers a promising pathway to reduce emissions from natural gas production, with infrastructure facilitating low-emission hydrogen production. Policy coherence and streamlined regulations are essential to fostering innovation and scaling up these technologies. Collaboration on CCS and hydrogen commercialisation presents opportunities for both nations to lead the energy transition. Japan’s ambitious plans to increase its domestic hydrogen supply highlight the potential for joint efforts.
Keywords: ASEAN, Asia, Australia, AZEC, carbon capture and storage, CCS, CO2, decarbonisation, energy security, energy supply, green transformation, GX, hydrogen, Indo-Pacific, Japan, liquified natural gas, LNG, low emissions hub, Net Zero, sustainability.
Celeste Koravos is Japan Country Manager and Principal Consultant (GX and & Decarbonisation) at Xodus Group. She focusses on the energy transition in Japan, Australia and regionally, including through partnerships in CCS, hydrogen/ammonia, offshore wind and critical minerals. Celeste holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Hons)/Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/Diploma of Language (Japanese) from Monash University. As a dual-qualified lawyer and engineer, she has worked on large-scale projects in Australia and Asia, from various angles. Celeste studied Law in Japan at Meiji University and Global Resilient Leadership at Waseda Business School/Wharton School/Nissan Global Foundation, both in Tokyo. Celeste is CEO of the Australia Japan Business Council of Victoria, where she has volunteered for over ten years. The AJBCV is purposed to build the bilateral relationship between Victoria and Japan through business, education and culture. |
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