At SIEW 2024, Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA) officially inaugurated the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre —the first outside of Paris.
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This launch marks a pivotal moment for the IEA, coinciding with its 50th anniversary, and serves as a strategic step towards accelerating energy transitions in Southeast Asia. The new centre also underscores the region's rising importance in global energy discussions.
Southeast Asia positioned as a key region for global sustainability efforts
As the region emerges as an economic powerhouse, its energy demand is set to rise significantly. In his Address, Dr Birol said: "In the next 10 years, over 25 percent of global energy demand growth is expected to come from this region. As such, the region cements its weight on global energy issues."
The region’s global significance is also enhanced from a production and manufacturing standpoint. Countries like Thailand and Indonesia are solidifying their status as leading solar component manufacturers. Meanwhile, the Philippines and Indonesia possess an abundance of rare materials such as nickel, which are essential to produce clean energy technologies.
Singapore's strategic location
Dr Birol elaborated on the decision to establish IEA's first regional office in Singapore. "Singapore sits at the heart of Southeast Asia and is a meeting point for international business activities," he noted. "(Additionally, it is) a regional hub for sustainable financing and innovation."
Singapore's strong partnerships with the IEA, built over the years through various collaborative projects, further cemented this strategic choice. As a regional hub, Singapore provides access to key policyholders and governments, positioning it as an ideal partner for advancing sustainable initiatives across Southeast Asia.
The new Centre also strengthens Singapore's leadership in the energy transition and allows IEA to leverage Singapore's global connections and regional access to key governments and policymakers.
Accelerating a connected and sustainable region through the IEA Centre
Through this hub, the IEA will provide "policy guidance, technical assistance, training, and capacity building" to neighbouring countries. This multifaceted approach aims to address the various challenges associated with the energy transition, from infrastructure to workforce development.
"We are now physically here. We are ready. We pray for a prosperous, secure, and sustainable energy future for this region," said Dr Birol, emphasising the Centre's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation across Southeast Asia.
In her Special Address, Hon. Jennifer M. Granholm, Secretary of the US Department of Energy, echoed Dr Birol’s sentiments. She highlighted key collaborations such as Battery Energy Storage System (ESS) innovations in Thailand. She also pointed to regional interconnectivity in Singapore and ongoing efforts to unlock the Philippines' offshore wind potential—all underscoring the region's critical role in global sustainability.
The launch of the new IEA Regional Cooperation Centre is a landmark event for both Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region. The centre will play a vital role in advancing regional collaboration, innovation, and technical capacity—elements that are crucial in creating a connected and sustainable energy world.
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