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Day 1 Wrap-Up: SIEW 2024 Kicks Off with Calls for Stronger Collaboration

Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2024 opens by setting a strong tone for a connected and sustainable energy future. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong delivered the Singapore Energy Lecture, outlining how Singapore is accelerating the current pace of decarbonisation.

Here's a recap of Day 1's key announcements and highlights:

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

Collaborative Decarbonisation and Innovative Financing for Energy Transition Projects

Contributed by Alika Koh, EMA

During the SIEW Summit panel discussion on "Financial Innovation for a Resilient Energy Future", industry leaders discussed collaborative decarbonisation strategies and innovative financing solutions, emphasising tailored approaches and carbon pricing.

Sharing their insights were Mr Maeda Tadashi, Managing Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC); Mr Lavan Thiru, Executive Director, Infrastructure Asia; Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association; Mr Ramesh Subramaniam, Director General and Group Chief Sectors Group, Asian Development Bank; and Mr Luca Tonello, MD and Chair of Energy and Infrastructure Asia Pacific, SMBC.

  • Regional cooperation and knowledge exchange are vital for overcoming decarbonisation challenges. No single country can achieve this alone.
  • Blended finance and new financial instruments can help de-risk projects, making them more attractive to private investors. This is critical to drive the net zero transition.
  • Effective carbon pricing and emissions trading schemes are key to mobilising investment in low carbon energy infrastructure. This will provide the financial certainty needed for successful transitions.
  • Developing local manufacturing capabilities and improving cross-border connectivity will enhance resource utilisation, making renewable energy projects more viable and affordable.

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

Going “All-In”: Inclusivity plays a crucial role in sustainable energy transition

Contributed by Jason Leong Ka-Sing, National University of Singapore

Speakers at the SIEW Summit Closing Session, on "Powering All: Harnessing Inclusiveness for Sustainable Progress", explored how inclusivity is key to ensuring a successful and sustainable energy transition. They were Mr Fahad K. Al Dhubaib, Senior Vice President for Strategy & Market Analysis, Aramco; Mr Tatsuya Terazawa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Energy Economics, Japan; Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, World Energy Council; and Mr Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General, International Energy Forum. 

  • Inclusivity plays a vital role in making sustainable energy accessible to all. Broadening energy access, especially for underserved regions, and addressing energy poverty are essential steps for progress.
  • To enhance inclusivity, there must be support for emerging energy technologies, adaptive market frameworks focused on emissions, and realistic views and discussions about energy transition challenges. 
  • True inclusivity involves directly engaging stakeholders, particularly women, younger generations, and voices from the Global South. This will ensure a diverse and comprehensive dialogue on energy solutions.
  • The role of traditional energy sectors, including OPEC and oil & gas companies, is increasingly recognised globally, where once they were stigmatised. They are necessary for a holistic perspective involving not just sustainability, but also affordability and accessibility of energy.

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

Balancing Renewables and Conventional Fuels for a Sustainable Energy Transition

At the SIEW Summit Spotlight Session on "Transition to a Greener Future: The Interplay of Renewables and Natural Gas", panelists explored the need to integrate both renewable and conventional fuels to ensure a stable and just energy transition.

Offering diverse perspectives were Mr Mark Christie, Commissioner, United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Mr Masanori Tsuruda, Deputy Commissioner For International Affairs, Agency For Natural Resources And Energy, Ministry Of Economy, Trade And Industry, Japan; Mr Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General, International Energy Forum; Mr Takao Tsukui, Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi Power; and Mr Leong Wei Hung, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore LNG Corporation.

  • A balanced approach is essential for the energy transition, requiring continued investment in both renewables and conventional energy sources like natural gas. This balance is crucial for maintaining energy stability, avoiding market volatility, and keeping energy prices affordable—especially in light of current economic challenges.
  • ASEAN countries are adopting a "triple breakthrough" strategy, aiming to simultaneously achieve emissions reduction, economic growth, and energy security. This tailored approach underscores the importance of considering regional contexts and socio-economic factors in energy policy, particularly to sustain public support for the transition.
  • The increasing electrification of the world, driven by growing demand from electric vehicles and data centres, presents new challenges. Grid stability must be maintained by leveraging "dispatchable resources" such as natural gas, nuclear energy, and coal. This is especially when weather-dependent renewables aren't able to meet demand.

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

400 Million Tonnes: Is the World Ready for Hydrogen and Ammonia?

Contributed by Danish Mirza, Singapore University of Social Sciences

With 400 million tonnes of clean hydrogen required to meet net zero targets, the potential for hydrogen and ammonia to drive the low carbon transition was front and centre at SIEW Summit Session 4's "Hydrogen and Ammonia: Catalysts for a Low Carbon Energy Transition".

Exploring these fuels as catalysts for change were H.E. Dr Ahmed Mohina, First Undersecretary of Strategic Planning, Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Egypt; H.E. Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business, Scottish Government; Mr Raymond Poon, Director, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong SAR, China; Mr Dick Richelle, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group Chief Executive Officer, Royal Vopak; Mr Ravi Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Portfolio Development Group, Managing Director, Investment Group, New Energy and Industrials, Temasek; and Ms Meg O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Woodside Energy.

  • Panellists noted the slow progress of investment in clean hydrogen due to high costs and limited demand, underscoring the need for stronger financial support.
  • Government representatives outlined key strategies for advancing hydrogen and ammonia initiatives. They emphasised the importance of international collaboration to accelerate progress.
  • Company representatives highlighted the need for the right policies and a level playing field for low carbon products. They also called for government incentives and mandates to drive demand for hydrogen and ammonia.
  • A proper ecosystem of partnerships is essential to scale up low carbon projects, attracting capital, and making projects like hydrogen and ammonia commercially viable.
  • While the panel agreed that hydrogen and ammonia hold strong potential as future export commodities, they acknowledged current market limitations that must be overcome to unlock their full potential. 

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Government Intervention Key to Fostering a Connected and Sustainable Energy Future in Asia

Contributed by Lee Mian Rong & Amelia Liong, EMA

Panellists at the Singapore Summit Session 1 discussed the progress of Asia's energy transition. They highlighted what it would take to accelerate the region's journey to sustainability.

  • While investment in clean energy has increased, more collaboration is required to make clean energy projects more attractive and beneficial for all stakeholders.
  • Unified effort is critical to accelerate large-scale energy infrastructure, said the panellists at SIEW Summit Session 1. They were H.E. Tse Chin-Wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Hong Kong SAR, China; Mr Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Mr Pang Xiaogang, President, State Grid Corporation of China; Mr Wong Kim Yin, Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Sembcorp Industries; and Mr Lim Wee Seng, Group Head of Energy, Renewables and Infrastructure, DBS Bank.
  • Though Asia has achieved record renewable energy installations, the speed and scale of implementation still fall short of regional targets. Current capacity is less than half of what is needed to meet ambitious energy goals.
  • Both virtual grid connection and physical grid infrastructure are essential to Asia's energy future. While physical infrastructure will take years to implement fully, virtual connections are just as crucial in enabling cross-border energy flows.
  • Asia has seen the results of positive actions. However, there is still room for improvement in technology sharing and funding collaboration across the region. Closing these gaps is essential to supporting the next phase of Asia's energy transition.
  • To accelerate collaboration, three critical elements were emphasised: political will, an industry mindset, and the availability of exchange platforms. These factors are crucial for overcoming challenges and fostering a connected and sustainable energy future in Asia.

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

Strengthening Regional Energy Connectivity for Asia's Sustainable Future

During SIEW Summit Session 3, on "Energising Regions: Advancing Regional Energy Interconnectivity", energy leaders discussed strategies to advance greater regional energy interconnectivity. On the panel were H.E. Csaba Lantos, Minister of Energy, Hungary; H.E. Dr Andrew Light, Assistant Secretary of International Affairs, Department of Energy, US; Mr Xin Baoan, Chairman, Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organisation; Mr Thorbjörn Fors, Group Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Siemens Energy; and Mr Ong Teng Koon, Managing Director, SP PowerInterconnect, SP Group. 

  • The panellists highlighted the Nordic electricity exchange in Europe as an example of balancing diverse energy sources such as hydro and wind energy across countries. Hungary's use of interconnectors with its neighbours helped manage supply fluctuations, while SP Power Interconnect highlighted the critical role of infrastructure and protocols in supporting interconnected projects.
  • Speakers underscored the need for common standards, fair markets, and transparency in cross-border projects, stressing the importance of streamlined permitting and licensing processes to foster energy interconnectivity.
  • Panellists emphasised that energy interconnection is crucial for ensuring energy security in Asia, A step-by-step approach was recommended to avoid delays. The potential role of natural gas during the energy transition was also highlighted.

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

Building Coalitions to Drive the Energy Transition

In his Keynote during the Singapore Energy Summit, Mr Bas Verkooijen, CEO of Advario, called for "coalitions of the willing" to drive sustainable progress on a global scale.

  • Despite progress, Mr Verkooijen noted that the speed of the energy transition is not enough to meet rising global energy demands and address the impacts of climate change. He called for technological innovation to make sustainable solutions more affordable and scalable. He stressed the need for a global perspective as climate change transcends borders.
  • Mr Verkooijen stressed that the success of the energy transition hinges on strong partnerships across industries, governments, and countries. He advocated for forming "coalitions of the willing" to unite stakeholders with a shared vision. He added that collaboration is the most critical factor in driving real progress and overcoming the challenges of the global energy landscape.

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

IEA Launches First Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore to Drive Southeast Asia's Energy Transition

Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), announced the official opening of the agency’s first office outside Paris. The launch, at SIEW 2024, marks a pivotal moment as IEA expands its global reach to accelerate energy transitions in Southeast Asia. 

  • Southeast Asia is set to play a leading role in global sustainability. The new IEA Regional Centre will support countries in navigating the region's growing energy demands while shifting towards cleaner technologies.
  • Singapore's position as a hub for sustainable financing, innovation, and international energy collaboration makes it the ideal location for the IEA's first regional office. This further cements Singapore's role in global energy discussions.
  • The launch of the IEA Regional Centre coincides with the IEA's 50th anniversary, marking its evolution towards clean energy transitions. The new office will serve as a hub for capacity building, policy guidance, and technical assistance, helping countries across Southeast Asia transition to sustainable energy.
  •  Additionally, in a Special Message at SIEW 2024, Hon. Jennifer M. Granholm, Secretary, US Department of Energy, reaffirmed Southeast Asia's critical role in global sustainability across consumption, production, and manufacturing. She cited regional examples of clean energy collaboration and growth, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in achieving global sustainability goals.

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Asia's Energy Transition Requires Pragmatic and Multi-Dimensional Solutions

In a Special Address, Amin Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, emphasised the importance of region-specific strategies. He advocated for balanced investments in both conventional and renewable energy technologies to drive Asia's energy transition.

  • Mr Nasser highlighted that the current global energy transition framework underrepresents the priorities and needs of Asia and the greater Global South. He stressed the need for greater inclusivity.
  • The energy transition plan is progressing too slowly, unevenly, and at a cost that is unaffordable for many developing countries. This could hinder their economic and social development.
  • Mr Nasser advocated for a pragmatic, multi-dimensional approach that leverages a mix of conventional energy and renewables. He emphasised the need to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions from conventional sources, and develop new, affordable energy solutions.
  • Each country should have the flexibility to choose an energy mix suited to its specific climate goals and economic situation, rather than be bound to a one-size-fits-all global strategy.
  • Ensuring an affordable and reliable energy supply is critical alongside sustainability, said Mr Nasser. Without this, there is a risk of reverting to high-emission fuels like coal, which could hinder sustainability efforts.

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Sarawak and UN Leader Urge Greater Regional Cooperation as Key to Advancing Asia's Clean Energy Transition

At SIEW 2024, Sarawak's Premier, the Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, and HE Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, stressed the importance of renewable energy, regional cooperation, and regulatory harmonisation.

  • Sarawak has exceeded its 60 percent renewable energy target by 2024. The Malaysian state outlined its pursuit of innovative solutions such as floating solar, pump hydro, energy storage, and biomass power generation to further decarbonise its energy system and position Sarawak as a leader in renewable energy solutions.
  • Sarawak plays a key role in supporting Southeast Asia's energy transition by contributing renewable energy to the interconnected Borneo and ASEAN Power Grid. It is actively collaborating with Indonesia, Sabah, Brunei, and Singapore to drive cross-border energy projects that support the region's sustainable energy goals.
  • The Malaysian state is positioning itself as a regional energy powerhouse, showcasing how interconnected progress can lead to responsible growth. It is encouraging collaboration and inviting others to join in its journey of innovation and economic transformation towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
  • H.E. Alisjahbana stressed the need for actionable strategies and collective efforts to unlock the potential of energy connectivity, particularly in power system integration.
  • The ASEAN Power Grid and the Green Power Corridor Framework are key examples of the region's progress in advancing power system connectivity and regulatory harmonisation.

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Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

Powering a Low Carbon Future Through Innovation

During the "Low Carbon Technologies Shaping the Energy of Tomorrow" session, industry leaders discussed advancements in low carbon solutions, investment opportunities, policy imperatives and collaboration to achieve a sustainable energy future.

  • Mr Egon van der Hoeven, Vice President of Business Development, Asia Pacific, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, highlighted the global challenge of ensuring energy security while reducing emissions, especially amid growing energy demand.
  • Mr Jim Gable, Vice President of Innovation and President of Chevron Technology Ventures, pointed to innovation, including carbon capture, as a crucial part of Chevron's efforts to address energy and emissions challenges.
  • Mr Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources, US Department of State, stressed that innovation alone is not sufficient. "We could decarbonise the US economy tomorrow, and that would only solve 11 percent of the problem. We must engage the rest of the world," he said, emphasising that global decarbonisation efforts require international cooperation to make a real impact.
  • Dr Jean-Christophe Niel, Director General, Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), underscored the need for collaboration in advancing and deploying new low carbon technologies. "The development of new technologies must involve all stakeholders—industry leaders, authorities, policymakers, and technical safety organisations," he said.

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Five Success Factors for Accelerating the Energy Transition

K A Habib Noor, EMA

In his Keynote, Mr Miguel Fonseca, Chief Executive Officer, EDP Renewables APAC, outlined five critical factors to speed up the energy transition.

  • EDP Renewables, which has committed to achieving net zero by 2040, has identified the five critical factors shaping the energy transition. Mr Fonseca said regulations should be simple, proactive, and designed to align stakeholders effectively.
  • Significant underinvestment in the grid remains a challenge. Expanding grid investment is crucial to lowering future energy costs.
  • Accelerating bureaucratic processes is essential to bring more clean energy projects to fruition.
  • Cross-border grid interconnections will optimise energy demand and improve energy security and resilience.
  • Transparency about environmental impacts and early community involvement are key to ensuring public support.

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Navigating the Complexities of Sustainable Energy Developments

In keynotes speeches, H.E. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Deputy Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office in Brunei Darussalam, discussed the critical opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of sustainable energy.

  • The Deputy Minister of Energy emphasised the importance of aligning the energy transition with each country's unique economic conditions. In Brunei Darussalam, the energy transition offers a unique opportunity to drive economic growth, benefiting both society and businesses.
  • To unlock these opportunities fully, collaboration is essential. Brunei is actively working with Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines to develop a regional power grid. This will enhance interconnectivity in the region. Additionally, he a partnership with Japan is underway to explore the feasibility of hydrogen as a low carbon energy source.
  • In a Special Message, Mr Grossi forecasted that global nuclear capacity could increase two-and-a-half times its current size. He emphasised the complementary role of nuclear energy alongside renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, with nuclear energy contributing by-products such as processed heat and clean hydrogen for industrial and transport use.

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SIEW 2024 Begins: Welcome!

Today marks the start of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2024, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts under the theme, "A Connected and Sustainable Energy World". This year's agenda promises in-depth discussions and insights on advancing sustainability amid the global energy transition.

The day opens with a Welcome Address from EMA's Chief Executive, Mr Puah Kok Keong, setting the stage for the Singapore Energy Lecture, which will be delivered by Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong at 9 am.  

As the morning unfolds, Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), will officiate the Singapore launch of its IEA Regional Cooperation Centre—a key milestone in fostering collaborative energy efforts across Southeast Asia. Together with Dr Birol will be other high-level speakers including Hon. Dr Doto Mashaka Biteko of Tanzania, H.E. Keo Rottanak of Cambodia, and Hon. Shane Jones of New Zealand. These ministers will explore diverse perspectives on energy resilience and the road ahead.

In a highlight of the morning, Mr Amin Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, will deliver a Special Address. H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN's Secretary-General, will then take the stage at the Singapore Energy Summit, guiding a day of transformative dialogue on a connected and sustainable energy world.

Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and Twitter for key insights, as we navigate Day 1 together.

SIEW Ministerial Dialogue: Partnerships Key to Accelerating Global Energy Transition

At the SIEW Ministerial Dialogue, energy leaders emphasised the importance of political leadership, cooperation, and financing in advancing the global energy transition. They also stressed the need for inclusivity and regional collaboration to achieve success.

  • The Hon. Dr Doto Mashaka Biteko of Tanzania, HE Keo Rottanak of Cambodia, and Hon. Shane Jones of New Zealand emphasised the need for private-sector investment and international partnerships to accelerate large-scale energy infrastructure projects. These efforts are critical to fast-track the energy transition.
  • Panellists, during the SIEW Ministerial Dialogue, acknowledged the challenge of balancing energy security, consumer affordability, and environmental goals. The ministers stressed that managing these trade-offs are vital for a smooth energy transition.
  • Panellists stressed the importance of public engagement, protecting vulnerable groups, and ensuring transparency around the costs and benefits involved.
  • Cross-border energy cooperation, such as the ASEAN Power Grid, can improve energy access and reduce costs. Panellists highlighted how regional interconnectivity enhances resource optimisation and affordability.
  • Strong leadership and a long-term vision are essential to driving the energy transition forward. The ministers agreed that political will is crucial to overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities for a sustainable energy future.

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Closer Collaboration and Innovation Crucial for Building a More Connected and Sustainable Energy Future

Strong partnerships and groundbreaking technologies are needed for ASEAN to drive sustainability and resilience in the energy sector.

  • H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General for ASEAN, said the ASEAN Power Grid is crucial for enhancing energy resilience, regional integration, and advancing a low carbon future. A significant milestone was achieved with the completion of the first phase of the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of multilateral cross-border collaboration.
  • Extensive partnerships with dialogue partners, international organisations have enabled ASEAN to mobilise investments, access technical expertise, and strengthen policy frameworks to drive the region's energy transition.
  • Beyond the ASEAN Power Grid, Phase 2 of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2021-2025 has made notable progress. The initiative has achieved 33.3 percent in installed renewable capacity, surpassing its target of 32 percent. ASEAN has further achieved a 24.5 percent reduction in energy intensity from 2005 levels, demonstrating ASEAN's commitment to optimising energy use.
  • Phase III, commencing in 2026, will focus on accelerating decarbonisation and promoting a just and inclusive energy transition. Key priorities include expanding energy infrastructure, advancing smart grids, enhancing renewable energy adoption, and exploring carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

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SIEW 2024 Kicks Off: Connecting Global Efforts for a Sustainable Energy Future

The 17th Singapore International Energy Week opens with a call for stronger cross-border collaboration to tackle growing energy demands while accelerating decarbonisation efforts worldwide.

  • EMA's Chief Executive Puah Kok Keong, in his Welcome Address, introduced this year's theme, "A Connected and Sustainable Energy World", emphasising global energy collaboration. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong, reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to net zero by 2050, ensuring economic growth balanced with sustainability.
  • DPM Gan emphasised the importance of regional energy interconnectivity within ASEAN. Singapore's leadership was highlighted with the launch of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Regional Centre, the first outside Paris, to drive clean energy transitions across Southeast Asia.
  • Singapore continues investing in low carbon solutions such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). A grant call for carbon capture and storage (CCS) feasibility studies was announced, advancing Singapore's decarbonisation efforts.
  • Singapore is enhancing grid responsiveness and capabilities through the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot and expanding demand response programmes. The Future Grid Capabilities Roadmap, launching later this year, will integrate distributed energy sources, including electric vehicle charging systems. This is to build a more flexible and resilient grid.
  • The second Energy Storage R&D grant was awarded to support research into critical energy storage technologies. These technologies are essential for managing renewable energy and strengthening grid stability.

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SIEW Live 2024

SIEW Live: Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry
SIEW Live Q2: Commissioner Mark C. Christie, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
SIEW Live: H.E Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Timor-Leste
SIEW Live: Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General, ASEAN Secretariat

Media Releases

12 Projects Awarded $55 Million to Accelerate Decarbonisation in Singapore

Oct 25, 2021, 16:54 by User Not Found

Under the Low-Carbon Energy Research Funding Initiative (LCER FI), the Singapore Government has awarded $55 million to support 12 research, development and demonstration projects on low-carbon energy technology solutions. This significant investment in low-carbon energy solutions is part of the Singapore Energy Story1, and will support our ambitions under the Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy2 and the Singapore Green Plan3.

2  On the importance of the LCER FI award, Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong said: “As an alternative energy-disadvantaged country, we have to invest early in low-carbon energy technologies such as hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), so that we are able to meet emission targets in 2050 and beyond. They will complement decarbonisation efforts such as solar deployment and low-carbon electricity imports into Singapore, which can contribute to emission cuts in the nearer term. The first LCER FI grant call saw the submission of more than 50 strong research proposals across a wide range of emerging hydrogen and CCUS solutions. This is encouraging. It is a testament to Singapore’s research and development capabilities, which will play a key role in our collective efforts to build a more sustainable future.”

3  Funds awarded are from the $49 million LCER FI announced in October 2020 with additional funding support from the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) budget. The 12 awarded projects will improve the technical and economic feasibility of implementing low-carbon technologies that support the decarbonisation of Singapore’s power and industry sectors, across two key areas:

  1. Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be used to store and transport energy. It does not emit carbon dioxide when used as fuel and has the potential to diversify Singapore’s fuel mix. However, at this point hydrogen is too expensive to be used widely. Projects funded under the LCER FI will go towards reducing costs and increasing efficiencies of hydrogen-related processes. For example, projects will look at developing easier ways to transport hydrogen by using ammonia, and enabling the safe deployment of hydrogen by developing sensors to detect hydrogen leaks. One project will explore reducing the cost of using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers for the transportation of hydrogen.
  2. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS): CCUS has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by capturing and converting CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities into useful products (e.g. building materials, reclamation sand and synthetic fuels), or for storage underground. Projects will explore using captured CO2 to make alternatives to sand which can be used for construction purposes. Others include developing CO2 capture technologies such as novel membranes or novel materials to absorb CO2 using ashes collected from Singapore’s waste-to-energy facilities. One project will also explore the use of captured CO2 and water to produce important commodity chemicals for industrial processes.

 

(Details of all awarded projects can be found in Annex A).

4  The LCER FI is a multi-agency initiative involving the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), and the National Research Foundation (NRF). It is co-driven by EDB and EMA to guide private sector consortia on the development and deployment of low-carbon solutions, the development of hydrogen supply chains, and to ensure projects awarded are relevant to the industrial and power sectors. The 12 awarded projects were selected after a grant call was launched in January 2021 by A*STAR, as the implementing agency on behalf of the government.

5  Emerging low-carbon alternatives is one of four switches in the Singapore Energy Story to build a more sustainable energy future. The Government has also conducted two feasibility studies on low-carbon hydrogen and CCUS technologies, from which key findings were used to evaluate proposals received under the LCER FI grant call. The Singapore Government welcomes more of such partnerships, and opportunities to pilot new technologies in sectors including maritime, aviation, mobility, industry and power sectors.

Annex A: Details of Awarded Projects

-- End –

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg 

About the Singapore Economic Development Board

The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. We undertake investment promotion and industry development, and work with international businesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to create sustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore. For more information on EDB, please visit www.edb.gov.sg

About the Energy Market Authority

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry. Through our work, we seek to forge a progressive energy landscape for sustained growth. We aim to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. Visit www.ema.gov.sg for more information.

About the National Climate Change Secretariat

The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) is part of the Strategy Group under the Prime Minister’s Office, which develops and implements Singapore’s domestic and international policies and strategies to tackle climate change. NCCS achieves this by adopting a Whole-of-Government approach and working with the people and private sectors to mitigate carbon emissions in all sectors, helping Singapore adapt to the effects of climate change, harnessing economic and green growth opportunities arising from climate change, and encouraging public awareness and action on climate change. For more information, please visit www.nccs.gov.sg 

About the National Research Foundation Singapore

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a department within the Prime Minister's Office. NRF sets the national direction for research and development (R&D) by developing policies, plans and strategies for research, innovation and enterprise. It also funds strategic initiatives and builds up R&D capabilities by nurturing research talent. The NRF aims to transform Singapore into a vibrant R&D hub that contributes towards a knowledge-intensive, innovative and entrepreneurial economy; and make Singapore a magnet for excellence in science and innovation.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Finn Partners
Mr Luke Nazir
Tel: +65 6779 5514
Email: Luke.Nazir@finnpartners.com 

Energy Market Authority Ms Cara Ng
Management Executive, Corporate Communications
DID: 6376 7476
Email: cara_ng@ema.gov.sg 

ANNEX A
DETAILS OF AWARDED PROJECTS

SN Research Theme Proposal Title Proposal Description Project Investigator (PI) Team
1. Hydrogen (H2) Ammonia Cracking: New Catalyst Development, Reaction Engineering and System Design

Project aim: To develop more efficient processes to release H2 from ammonia, by examining the development of robust and efficient ammonia cracking technologies suitable for use in Singapore.

Potential benefits: H2 is difficult to transport in its native state, which requires high pressures and extremely cold temperatures to compress. One way to make it easier to transport is to convert the H2 into a carrier such as ammonia. However, releasing H2 from ammonia is an energy intensive process. An improved and more efficient process will reduce the energy penalty of transporting H2 in the form of ammonia and reduce the cost of H2 adoption in Singapore.

PI Institute: National University of Singapore (NUS)
Lead Project Investigator: Assoc Prof Yan Ning, NUS
Project Team: Prof Chan Siew Hwa, NTU and Asst Prof He Qian, NUS;
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pte Ltd and NUS
2. H2 Miniature H2 leakage and purity sensors for downstream H2 use

Project aim: To develop two types of H2 sensors, a hydrogen purity sensor and a hydrogen leakage sensor, with small form factor, high selectivity minimal interferences and immunity to poisoning for downstream use. Standards will also be created for H2 sensors evaluation and quality.

Potential benefits: Improve the safety of H2 use, allow deployment of sensors economically to enable trading and safety and increase confidence towards adoption of H2 for downstream uses.

PI Institute: Institute of Microelectronics (IME), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Lead Project Investigator: Dr. Doris Ng Keh Ting, A*STAR’s IME
Project Team: Dr Cai Hong, A*STAR’s IME; Dr Kai Fuu Ming, National Metrology Centre (NMC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Assoc Prof Zhao Dan,NUS; Dr Liu Jihang, A*STAR’s IME; and Dr Subhranu Samanta, A*STAR’s IME
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association of Singapore (TAC)
3. H2 Methane Pyrolysis for H2 and Carbon Nanotube Production via Novel Catalytic Membrane Project aim: To develop an improved process for methane pyrolysis, i.e. catalytic cracking and separating natural gas/methane into H2 gas and solid carbon. It examines development of a novel bi-functional catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) process, where ultra-pure H2 and highly-ordered carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are co-produced via methane (natural gas) PI Institute: NUS
Lead Project Investigator: Assoc Prof Sibudjing Kawi, NUS
Project Team: Prof Wang Chi-Hwa, NUS; Assoc Prof Yang Wenming, NUS; and Dr Chang Jie, Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences
4. H2 Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) Technology for Singapore

Project aim: To develop new catalysts and systems to reduce the costs of extracting hydrogen from methylcyclohexane (MCH) as an LOHC technology and to design a minimum-cost hydrogen supply chain network for Singapore.

Project benefits: MCH can be transported in liquid state at ambient conditions using the existing petroleum infrastructures, but the process to extract hydrogen from the MCH molecule requires high-performance and cost-effective catalyst and is energy intensive. This proposal could improve the performance and reduce the cost of existing SPERA catalyst from Chiyoda and design new reactors of better heat transfer, therefore reducing the cost of importing hydrogen using this carrier. A comprehensive financial
Lead Project Investigator: Prof Xu Rong, NTU
Project Team: Asst Prof Tej Choksi, NTU; Assoc Prof Raymond Lau Wai Man, NTU; Asst Prof Paul Liu, NTU; Assoc Prof Alessandro Romagnoli, NTU; Prof Iftekhar A. Karimi, NUS; Prof Farooq Shamsuzzaman, NUS
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): Chiyoda Corporation; PSA Corporation Limited; Sembcorp Industries Ltd; City Gas Pte Ltd; Jurong Port Pte Ltd; Singapore LNG Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation;

5. Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Alternative Sand from Carbon Dioxide and Waste Materials Project aim: To examine the processes for the capture and mineralisation of CO2 into alternative sand that can be used for building and construction purposes. Project benefits: Captured CO2 can be used to make useful products such as construction material in this case. PI Institute: A*STAR’s ICES
Lead Project Investigator: Dr. Bu Jie, A*STAR’s ICES
Project Team: Asst Prof Liu Wen, NTU; Assoc Prof Pang Sze Dai, NUS; and Mr Yeo Tze Yuen, A*STAR’s ICES
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): Samwoh Innovation Centre Pte Ltd and EnGro Corporation Ltd
6. CCUS Capturing waste with waste: Continuous carbon capture using highly efficient sorbents derived from incineration ashes Project Aim: To develop a carbon capture process (calcium looping) by using novel sorbents derived from calcium-rich incineration ashes, collected from Singapore’s waste-to-energy facilities. Potential benefit: This will enable the use of incineration ash, which is a waste material, for CO2 capture. Both waste streams: incineration ashes and CO2, can be subsequently turned to sustainable construction materials after carbon capture. PI Institute: Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Lead Project Investigator: Asst Prof Liu Wen Paul, NTU
Project Team: Prof Simon Redfern, NTU; Snr Scientist Dr Bu Jie, A*STAR’s ICES; Asst Prof Grzegorz Lisak, NTU; Prof Lim Teik Thye, NTU; Snr Research Fellow Dr Andrei Veksha, NTU and Snr Research Fellow Dr Chan Wei Ping, NTU
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pte Ltd; Mursun Pte Ltd; Tsinghua University; and Kunming University of Science and Technology
7. Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Towards Energy Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Synthetic Chemicals: A Paradigm Shift in Sustainable Chemical Production Project aim: To examine the development of a sustainable technology to produce important commodity chemicals for Singapore (e.g., ethylene and propanol), using only CO2 and water as feedstock. Thus, reduce the energy intensity of producing chemicals from CO2. Potential benefits: Converting CO2 to fuels/chemicals is a potential utilisation pathway for captured CO2. Reducing the energy requirement for such processes will improve the economic viability of such CO2 utilisation pathways. PI Institute: NUS
Lead Project Investigator: Prof Chen Wei, NUS
Project team: Prof Xu Zhichuan, NTU; Dr Zhang Jia, Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), A*STAR; Asst Prof Lum Yanwei, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), A*STAR/NUS; Asst Prof Wang Lei, NUS; and Asst Prof Hou Yi, NUS
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): NUS; Stanford University; Tsinghua University and ExxonMobil.
8. CCUS Development and module scale validation of novel hollow fiber membranes for CO2 capture

Project Aim: To develop more efficient ways to capture CO2 from exhaust streams. It aims to develop and validate hollow fiber membranes for efficient carbon capture via novel chemistry and machine learning. The performance of the developed and scaled membranes will be validated through in-house pilot testing under simulated conditions as well as field-testing on larger pilot under real-world conditions.

Potential benefits: To improve the capture efficiency of CO2 from existing exhaust/flue gas which is the first step in CCUS.

PI Institute: NUS
Lead Project Investigator: Asst Prof Zhang Sui, NUS
Project Team: Provost Chair Prof Neal Chung Tai-Sheng, NUS and Dr Gudipathi Chakravarty, START, NTUitive
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): Chevron Singapore Pte Ltd; Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pte Ltd and NUS
9. CCUS Stable and long term carbon dioxide hydrate based storage (CO2-HyStore) in deep ocean sediments Project aim: To demonstrate a proof-of-concept requiring design, build and validation of potential of CO2 storage in deep-ocean sediments as gas hydrates. It will help to validate the possibility of storing CO2 in deep ocean sediments (as opposed to conventional sites which require specific geological formations) Potential benefits: This may open possibilities for long term storage of captured CO2. PI Institute: NUS
Lead Project Investigator: Prof. Praveen Linga, NUS
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): ExxonMobil; NUS; Purdue University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
10. CCUS Process Systems Engineering for Guiding R&D on Low-Carbon Technologies

Project aim: This project proposes a new paradigm in which materials research is conducted under the continuous of Process Systems Engineering (PSE) in order to keep focus on the KPIs right from the start of research.

 

Potential benefits: It develops digital toolkits that predict the system-level performances of several CCUS and H2 projects, helping to guide them to faster and successful scale-up.

 

PI Institute: NUS
Lead Project Investigator: Prof Iftekhar A Karimi. NUS
Project Team: Prof Shamsuzzaman Farooq, NUS
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): ExxonMobil and NUS
11. CCUS Adsorptive Carbon Capture Using Framework Materials

Project Aim: To develop more efficient ways to capture CO2 from exhaust streams. This project enhances CO2 capture by using state-of-the-art framework sorbents engineered for high CO2 selectivity, high intrinsic stability, and facile regenerability from moisture.

Potential benefits: Improve the capture rate of CO2 from existing exhaust/flue gas which is the first step in CCUS.

PI Institute: NUS
Lead Project Investigator: Assoc Prof Zhao Dan, NUS
Project Team: Assoc Prof Jiang Jianwen, NUS; Prof Shamsuzzaman Farooq, NUS; Prof Jiang Donglin, NUS; and Asst Prof Grzegorz Lisak, NTU
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): ExxonMobil; NUS; and Northwestern University
12. CCUS Nanostructured Catalysts for Direct CO2 Hydrogenation to Higher Alcohols and Fuels

Project aim: To reduce the energy intensity of producing higher alcohols and fuels from CO2. It examines development of nanostructured catalysts and computational capability in catalyst design and reaction modelling, including process optimisation.

Potential benefits: CO2 to fuels/chemicals is a potential utilisation pathway for captured CO2. Reducing the energy requirement for such processes will improve the economic viability of such CO2 utilisation pathways.

PI Institute: NUS
Lead Project Investigator: Prof Zeng Hua Chun, NUS
Project Team: Asst Prof Paul Wen Liu, NTU; Scientist Dr Kelvin M.Y. Kwok, A*STAR’s ICES; Asst Prof He Qian, NUS; Assst Prof Sergey Kozlov, NUS; and Assoc Prof Jiang Jianwen, NUS
Academic/Industry Collaborator(s): NuStar Technologies and NUS

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