Minister Iswaran launching the SECOE logo alongside (L-R): Edwin Khew, SEAS; Ma. Carmela D. Locsin, ADB; Satvinder Singh, IE Singapore
By Zhuo Jingyi
Singapore is positioning itself as a prime location for the research, development and proliferation of clean energy technology in Asia, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran said on Tuesday at the opening of the Asia Clean Energy Summit at Singapore International Energy Week 2015.
As attention focuses on pollution and climate change, the tightening of carbon use has prompted an unprecedented shift towards clean technology, Iswaran said. The call for sustainability has led Asia to become the “centre of global clean energy growth” as economic powerhouses such as China and India step up their commitment to solar energy deployment, he added.
Singapore has a series of new investment endeavours in the works in areas including solar, fuel cells and smart grids, attesting to the nation’s potential to spearhead the development of clean technology in the region, Iswaran said.
“To address the needs of a more sophisticated energy industry, we are pioneering new innovation models through public-private partnerships and living lab platforms where new innovations can be demonstrated and commercialised before being scaled up for regional markets,” he said.
Significant resources have been dedicated to boost research and development, notably through the Energy Innovation Programme Office and the Energy National Innovation Challenge, Iswaran said.
International collaboration that shares knowledge and skills is an encouraging step, he said.
“We need to work together to realise the potential of clean energy in our region,” Iswaran said.
He highlighted the establishment of the Sustainable Energy Centre of Excellence, a project initiated by the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore, the Asian Development Bank and International Enterprise Singapore that will spur thought leadership and develop capabilities around energy deployment. The centre will also connect companies in the clean technology industry.
About Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW)
In its 8th edition, Singapore International Energy Week is the premier platform in Asia for energy insights, partnerships and dialogue, bringing together the world’s leading conferences, exhibitions and roundtables in one week and one location. SIEW enriches the global energy conversation by convening political, business, academic and energy industry thought-leaders to define and advance the world’s energy challenges, solutions and actions across the spectrum of oil and gas, clean and renewable energy, and energy infrastructure financing.
Please visit www.siew.gov.sg for more information.
About the Energy Market Authority
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under Singapore’s 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 www.ema.gov.sg for more information.