SIEW 2014: Global energy transition presents many challenges
Leonhard Birnbaum, a senior executive at global energy supplier E.ON speaks about the impact of rising demand, climate change, and emerging generation technologies on the global energy landscape, while Ahmad Belhoul, chief executive officer of Masdar – also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – offers insights on the shifts promised by renewables...
Dr Leonhard Birnhaum, Chairman, Supervisory Board of E.ON Global Commodities and Mr Sri Jegarajah, CNBC Anchor, share their views on global energy issues at the first day of SIEW 2014.
Dr Ahmad Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, speaks at the SIEW 2014 Opening Keynote Address.
By Darryl Chan
Rising demand, climate change and the management of emerging generation technologies are pressing challenges as countries navigate big changes in the global energy landscape, Leonhard Birnbaum, a senior executive at global energy supplier E.ON said at Singapore International Energy Week 2014 on Monday.
As economies grow, the proliferation of solar and other renewable energy sources is a game changer that requires proper integration of these intermittent sources into existing energy systems, he told industry executives and government officials on the first day of the 7th annual event.
“We have to navigate the energy transition no matter where we are,” said Birnbaum, chairman of the supervisory board of E.ON Global Commodities and a member of the German-based company’s board of management.
Countries must build smarter energy systems, supply chains and partnerships to prepare for the future, he added.
Ahmad Belhoul, chief executive officer of Masdar – also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – told the same session that the shifts promised by renewables must be embraced. Conventional generators of electricity and energy planners must rethink their roles to remain relevant, he added.
“Renewables are here to stay,” Belhoul said.
The potential for nuclear energy in Singapore was also raised in the discussion, which Birnbaum said was “a big investment” that must be carefully considered.
Singapore’s Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S. Iswaran – who said in a speech earlier on Monday that diversifying energy sources and enhancing access to secure, cost-competitive supplies were key strategies for the import-dependent city-state – replied that his country has not ruled out the deployment of any energy options.
Watch Dr Leonhard Birnbaum’s keynote address here.
Watch Dr Ahmad Belhoul’s Birnbaum’s keynote address here.
About Singapore International Energy Week (www.siew.gov.sg)
The 7th annual SIEW 2014 is the foremost platform for top policymakers, energy practitioners and commentators to discuss energy issues, strategies and solutions. SIEW brings together a robust line-up of world's leading conferences, exhibitions, roundtables and networking events to provide insights and perspectives on the emerging trends and innovations across the energy spectrum of oil & gas, clean and renewable energy, and energy infrastructure financing – in one week, one location. Please visit www.siew.gov.sg for further information.