Singapore-IEA Forum: Pathways to a Smart, Connected and Secure Energy Transition

Kicking off the Singapore-IEA Forum, H.E. Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-Charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore, called for stronger collaboration and smarter systems to power Southeast Asia’s energy transition.

Against the backdrop of rising demand and decarbonisation pressures, he urged policymakers and industry leaders to build an ecosystem that is digitally intelligent, regionally integrated, and resilient while advancing sustainability.

Key highlights from his address include:

Smart grids to enable tomorrow’s energy systems

H.E. Dr Tan underscored the pivotal role of smart grids, powered by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), to improve energy demand forecasting, optimise operations, and enhance reliability. Singapore is already deploying AI through innovations like the Grid Digital Twin, which monitors and simulates the national power network in real time—a model that could be scaled regionally through partnerships with the IEA.

Deepening regional connectivity through the ASEAN Power Grid

Regional power integration emerged as a central theme, with H.E. Dr Tan emphasising the “win-win benefits of cross-border electricity trade.” The IEA projects that average electricity costs in Southeast Asia could fall from US$120/MWh to about US$80/MWh by 2050 as renewables grow. He also noted that a Singapore-US Feasibility Study on regional power grids found that greater regional energy integration could spur economic growth by driving investment and creating new jobs in the renewable energy manufacturing sector.

Ensuring energy security while charting a cleaner path forward

While charting a cleaner path, H.E. Dr Tan reaffirmed that natural gas will “continue to underpin the security of our energy systems.” He noted that Singapore is strengthening supply reliability—through the establishment of Gasco to centralise procurement, and the development of a second LNG terminal, which will expand import capacity by 50%.

He added that these initiatives, together with new partnerships such as the MOU between the Energy Market Authority of Singapore and the Australian Energy Regulator, will help the region manage volatility and sustain momentum toward a sustainable yet secure energy future.

Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest insights.