Introduction
The last twelve months have seen exceptional strength in global energy markets. World primary energy consumption increased by a relatively strong 2.9% in 2003 and oil and natural gas prices this year have reached new highs on the back of global economic recovery, capacity constraints, the on-going boom in China, political uncertainty, and the fall-out from Iraq, Venezuela, and the Yukos affair.
By Guy Isherwood, Editor, Commodities Now.

Asia Pacific Energy Trading Revs Up!
The time is now for a rapid acceleration in energy trading and risk management throughout the Asia Pacific region, say Peter C. Fusaro & Tom James.
By Peter C. Fusaro & Tom James.

Government Role in Energy Industry Emphasised at Regional Gas Forum
Interfax was visiting the facilities with a number of representatives from the gas industry in Japan, South Korea, Russia, Mongolia and China, gathering in Shanghai earlier this year to attend the Eighth International Conference on Northeast Asian Natural Gas and Pipeline Cooperation, where issues such as the promotion of natural gas use, regional conflicts regarding the distribution of energy resources, and the role that energy could play in the solution of the North Korean crisis were all under discussion.
By David Stanway, Interfax China Ltd.

The Resurgence of the Asian Gas Market
Asia: Moving to Increased Integration. The Asian energy market is a rapidly changing, dynamic and strategically important one, attracting increased interest from energy players. Several issues are dominating the region's energy sector and natural gas is at the forefront.
By Dean Girdis.

Asia: One Region, Many Markets
Asia is often referred to as the next great frontier among energy industry insiders. Explosive growth in demand for power and fuel across the region - especially in China - has created the perception of a vast monolithic market waiting to be tapped. In reality, Asia comprises a broad swath of countries, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Whitman Fulton, Neil Cornelius, Kim Keats & Abyd Karmali of ICF Consulting explain.
By Whitman Fulton, Neil Cornelius, Kim Keats & Abyd Karmali, ICF Consulting.

Asia Pacific Energy Options: Is Nuclear the Right One?
Nuclear Power is likely to play a significant role in ensuring future security of energy supply. It has advantages in terms of global warming, cost stability and high capacity factors that make it compatible with the goals of sustainable development.
By Elena Nekhaev, Director of Programmes, World Energy Council.

Nuclear Power in Asia
Asia has become the main growth area for nuclear power at the same time that it has stalled in the western world. Steve Kidd explains why, from China to India, energy deficient Asia is spending billions of dollars on nuclear power plants. Here he maps the present situation and likelihood of future build.
By Steve Kidd, Director of Strategy & Research, World Nuclear Association.