SIEW 2012: UN's Noeleen Heyzer underlines Asia's pressing need for affordable energy access

Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), outlines the significance of universal access to energy for sustainable development in Asia, ahead of the Rio+20 Conference. She spoke at the Energy Market Authority's (EMA) 2012 Distinguished Speaker Programme in Singapore.

1. With the third Earth Summit, or "Rio+20", less than two months away, Dr Heyzer drove home the point about the need to break the vicious cycle of energy poverty to ensure universal energy access for all. This was shared at this morning's Distinguished Speaker Programme (DSP).

2. Her lecture, entitled "Rio+20: Implications for Energy Access and Sustainable Development in Asia", focused on Asia, which, despite rapid economic growth, remains the region with the largest number of people without access to modern energy.

3. Referring to ESCAP's regional connectivity initiatives, Dr Heyzer announced plans for a similar framework for energy, through the creation of an "Asian Energy Highway" to a 250-strong audience. "The region has vast energy resources such as hydropower and coal, and it should be better utilised to maximize the generation of electricity based on demand," argued Dr Heyzer.

4. The Under-Secretary-General shared that three strategies have been identified to provide sustainable energy for all by the year 2030. These are ensuring universal access; doubling the rate of energy efficiency; and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

5. Providing universal access to energy is estimated to require an annual investment of US$48 billion, which is about 3 percent of total energy investment worldwide. Directing this investment to renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency improvements will not only ensure energy to all, but will do so in a sustainable, environmentally-harmonious manner, she said. Asia's share will come to about US$12.3 billion a year - a sum which Dr Heyzer felt was not insurmountable given the region's rapidly-growing economies.

6. There are also potential energy efficiency gains among Asian countries as many are starting from a low base. Dr Heyzer believes that if Asia could double its rate of energy efficiency improvements, it could uplift the vast majority of its population to middle income status by 2050, at significantly lower energy cost.

7. In the area of renewable energy, Dr Heyzer noted that Asian economies will have to aim for a considerably higher share of renewable energy than the current 2 percent supply mix, to be consistent with the expected rapid rise in their energy demand. This would reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, which are subject to supply uncertainties and price volatility.

8. In conjunction with the lecture, EMA also launched a specially-commissioned publication titled "Securing Our Energy Future". This looks at the key energy issues in Asia, from the role of natural gas as a game-changer to energy-smart communities, to the rise of renewables in the region. A special pullout feature highlights some of Singapore's key energy and water initiatives, from EMA's Electric Vehicle Test-bed to National Parks' Gardens by the Bay and JTC's Jurong Rock Caverns.

9. The DSP is part of EMA's calendar of programmes aimed at forging a progressive energy landscape for sustainable growth. Together with the flagship Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), which takes place from 22-25 October this year, the DSP provides a platform for the industry's best minds to debate and exchange best practices, ideas and strategies within the energy space, contributing to the global effort of shaping a new energy landscape.

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About the Energy Market Authority

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

About the Singapore International Energy Week

22–25 October 2012, Singapore
The 5th Annual SIEW 2012 is the foremost platform for top policymakers, energy practitioners and commentators to discuss energy issues, strategies and solutions. SIEW brings together the world's leading conferences, exhibitions, workshops and networking events from across the energy spectrum of oil & gas, clean and renewable energy, smart grids, carbon abatement and energy trading, in one week, in one location. Please visit www.siew.gov.sg for further information.

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