On 31 July 2024, industry leaders and policymakers gathered at the Sembcorp Hub for SIEWConnects@Sembcorp. This is held in partnership with Clarion Events, organisers of Asian Downstream Summit/ Asian Refining Technology Conference/ Ammonia & Carbon Capture Asia. The event is a key industry gathering in the lead-up to the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2024, scheduled for October.
The event discussion about "Deepening Cooperation on Ammonia and Carbon Capture Storage (CCS)," explored the transformative potential of these technologies in driving global decarbonisation and shaping the future of energy.
The strong attendance underscored the growing interest in sustainable energy solutions. Attendees learnt about innovative strategies and explore collaborative efforts needed to achieve a low carbon future. The event also provided an opportunity for industry leaders and professionals to continue exchanging ideas to progress energy transition efforts.
Mr Puah Kok Keong
Chief Executive, Energy Market Authority
Charting the path to decarbonisation
SIEWConnects@Sembcorp commenced with a welcome remark by Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore, Mr Puah Kok Keong, who took office last month. He highlighted the urgent need for decarbonisation in Singapore and across Asia, noting that ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation & storage (CCUS) technologies are pivotal to the region's decarbonisation efforts.
He also emphasised added that public-private collaboration is crucial for accelerating the adoption of these technologies and achieving sustainability goals.
Mr Koh Chiap Khiong
Chief Executive Officer, Singapore and Southeast Asia, Sembcorp Industries
Commitment to Innovation and Collaboration
Mr Koh Chiap Khiong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore and Southeast Asia, Sembcorp Industries, reaffirmed the company's commitment to innovation in ammonia and carbon capture solutions. He announced that Sembcorp has been shortlisted by EMA and the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore to study ammonia's viability for power generation and bunkering on Jurong Island.
Mr Koh outlined Sembcorp's extensive offerings on Jurong Island, which include a comprehensive suite of diversified products across gas, utilities, and renewables. He highlighted the company's ability to deliver not only competitive and reliable energy solutions but also an effective pathway for customers to achieve their decarbonisation goals.
Mr Koh also underscored the importance of partnerships and meaningful dialogue in navigating the complexities of the energy transition.
From Left to Right:
Mr Richard Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, Asia, Clarion Events. (Moderator)
Mr New Wei Siang, Director, Maritime Decarbonisation and Net-Zero Pathways, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Ms Hayley Pham, Vice President, Asia Pacific Business Development, Low Carbon Solutions, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific.
Mr Vickrem Vijayan, Head of Energy Commercial, Singapore, Sembcorp Industries.
Mr Neeraj Kumar, Director of Commercial Chemicals & Business Development, Vopak Terminals Singapore.
Insights from Industry Experts
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Mr Richard Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, Asia, at Clarion Events. The panel delved into the potential of ammonia and CCS technologies.
- Mr Vickrem Vijayan, Head of Energy Commercial, Singapore, Sembcorp Industries: He highlighted the expanded possibilities offered by carbon capture and ammonia. However, he noted the higher costs compared with traditional renewables, which may slow short-term global adoption
- Ms Hayley Pham, Vice President, Asia Pacific Business Development, Low Carbon Solution, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific: She described ammonia as an effective carrier for hydrogen and CCS and stressed the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure for cost effectiveness. She also highlighted the need for carbon-negative technologies such as direct air capture.
- Mr New Wei Siang, Director, Maritime Decarbonisation and Net-Zero Pathways, MPA: He provided insights into the maritime industry's decarbonisation efforts. He cited the International Maritime Organisation's revised strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Mr New highlighted the difference between using ammonia for storage and transportation, and as a fuel for ship propulsion. He emphasised the need for more feasibility studies and risk assessments to help the shipping industry meet these ambitious targets.
- Mr Neeraj Kumar, Director of Commercial Chemicals & Business Development, Vopak Terminals Singapore: He addressed the infrastructure and safety challenges of scaling up ammonia use, particularly in densely populated areas like Singapore. Mr Kumar advocated for a multi-solution approach that includes hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and biofuels in the energy mix.
The panellists highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing these technologies. They stressed that government support is essential for creating the regulatory frameworks and financial structures needed to make large-scale investment-intensive projects viable. Pilot projects, collaborations, and the development of guidelines and regulations will be crucial to support the growth of ammonia and CCS technologies.
Mr Ireland summed up the discussion by acknowledging that while these technologies alone cannot immediately solve the climate crisis, they will play a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts .
Video Courtesy of Sembcorp Industries
Attendees at SIEWConnects@Sembcorp
Looking ahead
SIEWConnects@Sembcorp sets the stage for deeper discussions at the upcoming SIEW 2024, which will feature the inaugural Ammonia & Carbon Capture Asia (ACCA) conference by Clarion Events. Industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators will continue to explore pathways towards "A Connected and Sustainable Energy World", this year's SIEW theme.
Register now for the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2024, taking place on 21 - 25 October.