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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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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.

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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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.

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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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.

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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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 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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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.

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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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 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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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 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

More than 110 Student Teams Contribute Ideas for a More Sustainable Energy Future

Oct 28, 2022, 15:37 by User Not Found

            From transparent solar panels to using artificial intelligence to manage energy demand – these were among the exciting and innovative energy solutions presented by over 110 student teams from 36 schools for the Singapore Energy Grand Challenge (SEGC) for Youth this year. This is the highest number of students the Challenge has engaged since it was first launched in 2020. Winning teams received their awards from Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth at the Energy Market Authority (EMA)’s flagship Youth@SIEW event today.

2.         The third edition of the SEGC (Youth) this year was held in partnership with Microsoft Singapore with support from Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), to inspire and encourage youths to co-create ideas using Minecraft: Education Edition. This year, EMA partnered Keppel Infrastructure, Schneider Electric and Sembcorp Industries and presented a new category for Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). Students in this category were challenged to do a case presentation of sustainable solutions that addressed real-world challenges faced by energy companies today. More information on the company-specific problem statements can be found in Annex A.

3.       Winning teams across the three categories of IHL, Senior and Junior students were awarded a total of $50,000 in cash prizes:
a) The IHL Category comprising students from local institutes of technical education, polytechnics and autonomous universities:
Keppel Infrastructure
• Champion: Team Rocket from National University of Singapore (NUS)
• 1st runner-up: Team Blues from ITE College West
Schneider Electric
• Champion: Team Young Inventors from Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
• 1st runner-up: The Renaissance Men from Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Sembcorp Industries
• Champion: Team Solar from ITE College East
• 1st runner-up: Team Kit from Singapore Polytechnic
b) The Senior Category comprising upper secondary and junior college students:
• Champion: Team WACUUMERS from Hwa Chong Institution
• 1st runner-up: Team H2 from Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)
• 2nd runner-up: Team SusTech from Dunman High School
c) The Junior Category comprising lower secondary students:
• Champion: Team SUStain from Nanyang Girls’ High School
• 1st runner-up: Team Soyingleryl from Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)
• 2nd runner-up: Team Fantastic 4 from Holy Innocents' High School

4.       EMA’s Chief Executive, Mr Ngiam Shih Chun, said: “As we move towards a more sustainable future for Singapore’s energy sector, our youth play an important role as next generation leaders to spark brighter ideas and co-create viable solutions for the energy sector. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the winning teams of the Singapore Energy Grand Challenge and hope that this has spurred their interest to continue helping Singapore achieve its net-zero climate ambitions.”

5.       Teams from National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and ITE College East emerged as champions of the IHL category for their holistic presentations on solutions to reduce energy demand, enhance power grid reliability and maximise solar deployment respectively. Finalist teams received direct mentorship with the energy companies which sharpened their proposals and improved the feasibility of their ideas in Singapore’s context. Following the award, EMA will continue to facilitate discussions between students and industry on potential energy solutions to be deployed.

6.       For the Senior category, a team from Hwa Chong Institution clinched the championship with its engaging presentation which demonstrated a comprehensive approach towards managing energy demand and supply. Its ideas included the use of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology to analyse energy usage trends and help to manage energy demand. For the Junior category, a team from Nanyang Girls’ High School was crowned the champion for its innovative ideas such as the use of hydrogen, a low-carbon energy source, and electrified transportation to further lower Singapore’s carbon emissions. Both teams also received votes from members of the public for their submissions which best represent their vision of a more sustainable energy for Singapore. More details on the winning teams can be found in Annexes B and C.

7.       Since the SEGC (Youth) was first launched in 2020, more than 1,000 students in over 290 teams, have taken part in the annual challenge. More information on the next edition of the SEGC (Youth) will be shared in the first half of 2023.

Annex A: Factsheet on SEGC (Youth) 2022

Annex B: Information on Winning Teams of SEGC (Youth) 2022 for IHL category

Annex C: Information on Minecraft: Education Edition and Winning Teams of SEGC (Youth) 2022 for Senior and Junior categories

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.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Dion Lim
FINN Partners
Tel: 6779 5514
Email: SIEWMedia@finnpartners.com

Ms Cara Ng
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications
Energy Market Authority
Tel: 6376 7476
Email: Cara_NG@ema.gov.sg

ANNEX A: FACTSHEET ON SINGAPORE ENERGY GRAND CHALLENGE (YOUTH) 2022

Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) Category

Target Audience Opened to all IHL (i.e. ITE, polytechnic and autonomous university) students
Organiser Energy Market Authority
In Partnership with Keppel Infrastructure, Schneider Electric, Sembcorp Industries
Challenge Details

The challenge was conducted in a case competition format and students came up with sustainable solutions based on real-world problems faced by energy companies. The company-specific problem statements are:

  • Keppel Infrastructure: “With increasing energy demand, Keppel is seeking an integrated solution to reduce energy consumption of a typical building in Singapore through digital technologies such as Internet of Things/Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning. The proposed solution should consider the environmental impact, system stability and cost-effectiveness.”

  • Schneider Electric: “With increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Schneider is seeking proposals to reduce carbon emissions and maintain grid reliability. The proposed solution should be cost-effective, suitable for deployment with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure, and increase the use of clean energy for EV charging.”

  • Sembcorp Industries: “Singapore aims to have at least 2 gigawatt-peak of solar deployed by 2030. With more solar in our energy mix, Sembcorp is seeking ways to manage intermittency. The proposed solution may include new technologies to manage the amount of energy flowing into the grid or by creating a suitable environment to maximise the deployment of solar panels. It should be cost-effective, minimise its impact on the grid, be easy to deploy and maintain.”
Prizes

Cash prizes of $30,000 in total are awarded for this category. For each company-specific problem statement, the prizes are:

  • Champion - $6,000

  • First runner-up - $4,000

Junior/Senior categories

Target Audience Opened to all IHL (i.e. ITE, polytechnic and autonomous university) students
Platform Minecraft: Education Edition (M:EE)
Organiser Energy Market Authority
In Partnership with Microsoft Singapore
Supported by Infocomm Media Development Authority
Challenge Details

The challenge was conducted in a case competition format and students came up with sustainable solutions based on real-world problems faced by energy companies. The company-specific problem statements are:

  • The challenge leveraged Microsoft’s sandbox styled game, Minecraft: Education Edition, for participants to create their ideal Energy World and showcase their aspirations for Singapore, with a focus on sustainability and managing demand.

  • An in-game quiz was incorporated to acquaint youths with Singapore’s Energy Transition, and to educate them on balancing the trade-offs in the energy “trilemma” – i.e. balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability.
Categories

The two categories are:

  • Junior (lower secondary students)

  • Senior (upper secondary and junior college students)
Prizes

Cash prizes of $20,000 in total the Junior and Senior Categories. For each category, the prizes are:

  • Top team - $5,000

  • First runner-up - $3,000

  • Second runner-up - $2,000

ANNEX B: INFORMATION ON WINNING TEAMS OF SEGC (YOUTH) 2022 FOR INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING (IHL) CATEGORY

For Keppel Infrastructure’s Problem Statement

Team Information

Quotes

Champion: Team Rocket National University of Singapore (NUS)

Members (from left to right): Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, NUS, Year 4 Students:

  • Low Guan Lin, Age 24
  • Chen Zhen Yuan, Age 25

 

“The sky may be the limit, but Team Rocket is here to take you to the moon! Solving real world problems as students and interacting with some of the energy sector’s industry players have been truly enlightening. The competition has provided an interesting and enjoyable experience that the team will definitely look back on with fondness as a valuable learning opportunity.”

1st Runner-up: Team Blues ITE College West

Members (from left to right): Nitec in Mechatronics and Robotics, Year 1 Students:

  • Isaiah Ives Goh Jun Yang, Age 17
  • RenuDeve Veer D/O Sunthara Velu Chelliah, Age 17
  • Nur Nabilah Binte Muhamad Solihin, Age 17

 

“Our SEGC experience has been a great learning journey and we are elated with the opportunity to develop our ideas through this challenge. We learned different ways in which we can lower energy consumption; for example, through the use of thermal energy storage, and the utilisation of digital technologies such as the Internet-of- Things and Artificial Intelligence to monitor, control and optimise cooling systems remotely.

We greatly appreciate this rare learning opportunity from EMA and Keppel Infrastructure and would like to thank our lecturers from ITE and mentor from Keppel infrastructure for their guidance and support.”

For Schneider Electric’s Problem Statement

Team Information

Quotes

Champion: Team Young Inventors Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

Members (from left to right): Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Power Engineering, Year 2 Students:

  • Chiam Sheng Jye, Age 23
  • Tan Kee Yee, Age 22
  • Tan Hao Jun Bryan, Age 23
  • Teo Rui Jie Marcus, Age 24

“With an applied interest towards Electric Vehicles (EV) and existing renewable problems faced by the industry, we entered this competition in hope that our concept of a solar car cover device will be able to maximise the use of clean energy towards EV charging.

The entire competition experience has been eye-opening and enriching. We gained a better understanding of the ecosystem in EV charging whilst evaluating the efficacy of our existing solutions and the recommended improvements.

We are immensely grateful for the opportunity and the platform to showcase our ideas and concepts!”

1stRunner-up: The Renaissance Men Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Members (from left to right): Bachelor of Engineering Science (Electrical & Electronic), Renaissance Engineering Programme:

  • Nick Erwin Chia Zhiyang, Age 23, Year 3
  • Julian Chung Zhong Wei, Age 24, Year 4
  • Sng Li Wen, Aaron, Age 25, Year 4
Bachelor of Engineering Science (Computer Science), Renaissance Engineering Programme
  • Summit Bajaj, Age 22, Year 2

“One thing that excited us the most is the realism of the competition. We were placed directly in the shoes of a leading energy company and had to account for carbon emissions, grid reliability, as well as ensure business viability.

We think that the competition experience has been fruitful. Not only did we learn about the integration of Electric Vehicles and the grid, but we also got industry mentorship from the professionals at Schneider Electric, which provided us with invaluable knowledge and skills to refine our solutions.”

For Sembcorp Industries’ Problem Statement

Team Information

Quotes

Champion: Team Solar ITE College East

Members (from left to right): Higher Nitec in Electrical Engineering, Year 1 Students:

  • Wang Zixuan, Age 17
  • Eugene Tan Ye Hong, Age 17
  • Ng Mian Hao, Age 17
  • Xavien Teo Yi Xiang, Age 17

“It was never about how far-fetched a goal is but about the people’s willingness to work together to reach true success.

We never thought that we would make it this far into the competition. Even when we faced challenges and obstacles, our team overcame it with coming up with diverse ways to overcome a problem creatively. This competition has taught us more about Singapore’s energy sector, which we would have otherwise not known.”

1stRunner-up: Team Kit Singapore Polytechnic

Members (from left to right): Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Year 3 Students:

  • Yu Nander Aung, Age 20
  • Tanapattanalux Kittitat, Age 21
  • Steward Soh Jun Kai, Age 19
  • Lau Jun Foong Wayne, Age 19

“We are extremely delighted and grateful for this opportunity. Through this competition, we were challenged to think out of the box to solve an existing problem to design a more sustainable energy future in Singapore. Despite having to balance our study commitment in our final year in Singapore Polytechnic, the team enjoyed the design, build and test phases as we had fun seeing our ideas turn into reality. We hope that our young generation will be inspired to turn their ideas into reality especially in the field of sustainability, because that is what matters for Singapore.”

Photos of SEGC (Youth) - IHL category students at mentorship sessions

Team Young Inventors from the Singapore Institute of Technology with their mentors from Schneider Electric

Team Kit from Singapore Polytechnic at a virtual mentorship session with Sembcorp Industries

Team Blues from ITE College West presenting their proposal for Keppel Infrastructure at the semi-finals

ANNEX C: INFORMATION ON MINECRAFT: EDUCATION EDITION AND WINNING TEAMS OF SEGC (YOUTH) 2022 FOR SENIOR AND JUNIOR CATEGORIES

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) organises the annual SEGC (Youth) to excite, inspire and encourage youths to co-create ideas for Singapore’s energy sector. As part of EMA’s partnership with Microsoft Singapore, students are able to leverage on the Minecraft: Education Edition (M:EE) platform to build and showcase their vision for a more sustainable Singapore in 2050, while learning about Singapore’s energy transition to overcome its challenges.

M:EE is designed for educational settings with teachers around the world. M:EE offers immersive game-based learning through remote and onsite classroom-friendly features, immersive multi-player environments, as well as lessons, build challenges and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum.

Senior Category

 

Team Information

Quotes

Champion: Team WACUUMERS Hwa Chong Institution

Members (from left to right): Koh Rui Quan Reyes, Kavan Tay Yiquan, Zachary Phua Yu Tze

Click here to view the team’s video entry

“What drew us into this competition and kept us going was the opportunity to translate our bold plans to reshape Singapore's energy future into an almost life-like prototype. It was simultaneously a test of our design skills and our understanding of sustainability, Singapore's energy trilemma, and our unique constraints.

Apart from the Minecraft construction skills we acquired, we were enlightened on Singapore’s energy trilemma and many of the considerations that have been made in managing our energy demand and supply, both of which need to work in tandem to ensure that our energy is used sustainably. We were also intrigued by the technological developments in alternative energy sources. In short, energy keeps our lives going and sustainability keeps our energy going.”

1stRunner-up: Team H2 Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)

Members (from left to right): Lu Xingyu, Vera Ang Rui Wen



Click here to view the team’s video entry

“Through this challenge, we learnt how Singapore can lower our carbon emissions for the future and how we could develop ideas to achieve the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

To gather different perspectives, we role played Singaporeans from different backgrounds to understand more about all of our needs and how we can meet them sustainably. Every one of us can play a part in helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Singapore may have had significant obstacles in developing sustainable energy decades ago due to limited resources and territory. However, it has overcome its challenges and tapped into possibilities for cleaner energy growth in areas such as solar energy, natural gas, and low-carbon alternatives through resilience and innovation.”

2ndRunner-up: Team SusTech Dunman High School

Members (from left to right): Pan Xinyi, Pan Leyi, Jin Chenxuan, Shen Hanzhang



Click here to view the team’s video entry

“Singapore Energy Grand Challenge was a memorable experience for us. Harnessing the 4 Switches, we had the opportunity to unleash the power of creativity by building a more sustainable Singapore in Minecraft: Education Edition, covering a variety of energy demands from households, businesses and agriculture. It was great fun to spend the whole afternoon designing our constructions with a plethora of building materials from Minecraft, and the sense of achievement upon completion was really unforgettable.

In this journey, we realised the importance of leveraging different types of energy production to ensure energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a long road ahead for us to improve.”
Junior Category

 

Team Information

Quotes

Champion: Team SUStain Nanyang Girls’ High School

Members (from left to right): Tan Hong Yu, Sophie Tung Xuan Ying

Click here to view the team’s video entry

“It was super exciting to be able to use Minecraft to make our ideas more tangible and be able to see what they would look like when applied in a Singaporean context.

We learnt a lot in our research and from the judges during the presentation. It made us want to explore future concepts of sustainability further.

We learnt a lot more about the energy trilemma involved when trying to transit to a clean energy society and that in certain situations, trade offs will have to be made. In addition, we understood how technological advancements work hand in hand with helping to transition to a carbon emission net-zero society.

One enjoyable moment we experienced as a team was building the Minecraft world together. Although our schedules were busy and it was tiring staying up late to build, we had great fun exploring new and creative ways to express our ideas together in a virtual world. Seeing our ideas take shape in Minecraft after many hours of work was satisfying and memorable for us.”

1stRunner-up: Team Soyingleryl Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)

Members (from left to right): Chai Chang Xuan Cheryl, Quek Zhi Ying, Sophie Sim, Eou Yong Le Jia



Click here to view the team’s video entry

“One thing that excited us the most about this competition was having the opportunity to learn new skills on Minecraft: Education Edition. This helped us to showcase our knowledge about Singapore’s energy story in a fun way.

Even though there were many rounds of discussions and we had to put aside a lot of time outside of school, the competition allowed us to showcase our ideas and do our part to ensure a more sustainable future for Singapore. It also strengthened the bond between our team members. We also gained a lot of new knowledge about topics we would not have visited in our daily lives. Hence, it was a meaningful and enjoyable experience.”

2ndRunner-up: Team Fantastic 4 Holy Innocents' High School

Members (from left to right): Brandon Chan Kai Feng, Brandon Geofrey Lee Weng Zun, Lee Yu Wen Reanne, Hoi Hui Wen Faith



Click here to view the team’s video entry

““Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding.” - Brian Greene

At first, we were confused as to how our ideas work but after much research, we finally understood how they operate scientifically and how it would help Singapore be a carbon-free city.

One thing that excited us about this competition was being able to use Minecraft, a game that we all love, to build our ideas. Not only did it make this competition fun, but it also made it creative as we can build anything in Minecraft.

Through this competition, we learnt the importance and ways of reducing our carbon footprint. We also learnt how electricity is supplied to Singapore and the pros and cons of each energy source. We hope that these creative and innovative ideas to reduce Singapore’s carbon footprint may be applied to Singapore one day.”

Day 1 Highlights

SIEW 2025 Sponsors

SIEW 2024

In Celebration of

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Organised by

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