Asia Society Texas’ Second Energy Transition Series Program Addresses Search for Low-Carbon Solutions, Future Prospects in Southeast Asia
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HOUSTON, September 21, 2023 — In partnership with ExxonMobil, Asia Society Texas presented the second program of its Energy Transition Series to highlight the work being done to reduce emissions while meeting the growing global demand for energy. Speakers included Matt Crocker, ExxonMobil's Senior Vice President for Low-Carbon Solutions; Takajiro "Tak" Ishikawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America; and Charles "Chuck" McConnell, Energy Center Officer of the Center for Carbon Management in Energy (CCME) at the University of Houston, in conversation with moderator Uday Turaga, founder and CEO of ADI Analytics.
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Joined by a diverse audience of students, academics, professionals, and energy leaders, the panel spoke on a wide range of topics including decarbonization, new low-carbon technologies, and public policies on energy and taxation. They also discussed projects being developed in the U.S. and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The panelists cited the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act as a critical aspect of the energy transition landscape that allows the U.S. to stay at the forefront of global decarbonization efforts. According to Crocker, low-carbon initiatives are driven primarily by technology, supportive policies, and incentivizing investments. McConnell added that research and technical expertise are vital to foster decarbonization efforts and meet climate-related goals.
While referencing specific projects, Crocker highlighted ExxonMobil's initiatives around carbon capture technology, as well as hydrogen production and its use as a fuel. On the topic of projects in Asia, the panelists made note of Singapore’s potential for innovation due to its advanced infrastructure and government support for energy transition policies. Crocker suggested that other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, could be considered as potential strategic locations for energy storage. In this regard, Ishikawa shared that while not all initiatives are equally suitable for every country, he has found many cooperative opportunities between the U.S. and Japan.
Among other insightful topics, the panelists discussed the viability of carbon taxation, the potential of nuclear energy, emerging business opportunities in the sector, and the future goals for the energy industry.
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About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
