SIEW TechTable: Unveiling the Potential of Low Carbon Technologies in the Energy Transition

Harnessing technology to create new economic and commodity opportunities.

The second edition of SIEW TechTable once again shed light on the remarkable advancements in low carbon technologies that are driving the energy transition. During the event's Opening Remarks, Ralph Foong, Deputy Chief Executive, Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore, presented Singapore’s vision for harnessing low carbon technology to accelerate its journey towards net zero emissions. Here are the key takeaways: 

1. Technology can enable Singapore and the region to build an interconnected regional power grid with economic benefits.

   Mr Foong's address commenced with the potential of technology in creating an interconnected regional power grid, promising both environmental and economic benefits. He highlighted the substantial potential within ASEAN, where two-thirds of its energy demand can be met with renewable energy, leading to a remarkable 75 percent reduction in energy-related carbon emissions by 2050.

   He also explained that "regional interconnections not only promote the deployment of renewables, but also generates savings of up to US$160 billion through the optimisation of renewable energy resources in the region".

2. Technology can enable new and emerging global commodity supply chains.

   Singapore, with its land constraints, is actively considering the import of low carbon hydrogen in various carrier forms. This strategic approach positions Singapore as a key player in future global hydrogen supply chains. Mr Foong revealed that Singapore is actively monitoring the development of effective hydrogen carriers and technologies "that will enable the transportation of hydrogen and its eventual conversion into energy, while optimising the land requirement for infrastructure and costs associated with the use of hydrogen".

   Furthermore, Singapore is taking concrete steps to advance emerging supply chains. Mr Foong outlined various initiatives, including exploring more efficient ammonia cracking technologies, enhancing safety measures for ammonia handling facilities, and pioneering technologies to reduce boil-off losses related to the storage and transportation of liquefied hydrogen.

3. Technology opens up new frontiers.

   In his closing remarks, Mr Foong offered insights into the exploration of geothermal energy as a potential source for Singapore's energy needs. Studies indicate that Singapore is located within a region rich in sub-surface heat resources, making it conducive for geothermal energy exploration.

   "We are now taking a significant first step to assess Singapore’s overall geothermal resource availability via a wide-area study," he said, adding that "advancements in heat, geothermal technologies, including enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), or advanced geothermal systems (AGS), could potentially enable us to harness this sub-surface heat resource".

   Mr Foong's address exemplifies Singapore's commitment to drive a cleaner, more sustainable energy future through interconnected power grids, global supply chains, and geothermal exploration—all powered by low carbon technologies.

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