By Sylvia Ho
Emerging low-carbon technologies could help Asia diversify its energy supply, strengthen grid resilience and reduce emissions. However, bringing these solutions into wider use will depend on their commercial viability, compatibility with existing infrastructure and supportive policy frameworks.
At the SIEW Thinktank Roundtable Session 1 co-hosted by ERI@N, ‘Emerging Low-Carbon Technologies and Where They Can Be Applied’, Prof Ric Parker, Chairman of the Technical Committee, Advanced Energy & Decarbonisation Office (AEDO), moderated a discussion on the opportunities and challenges of deploying emerging technologies across Asia's energy systems.
Diversifying energy sources and strengthening grid resilience
Vivek Dhaman, Head of Clean Energy and Decarbonization Technologies, New Ventures, ST Engineering, emphasised that no single technology can meet all energy needs. Diversifying energy sources and developing decentralised solutions could strengthen resilience, particularly in remote locations and communities with limited grid connectivity.
He highlighted hydrogen's potential for longer-duration energy storage, alongside modular electrolysers that can be deployed closer to end-users. As energy systems incorporate multiple sources, smart energy management systems will also be important for optimising supply, while cybersecurity safeguards must be integrated from the outset.
Je Jun Oh, Senior Vice President of Gas Services, Asia Pacific, Siemens Energy, highlighted opportunities to repurpose existing power generation assets as more renewable energy enters the grid. Converting suitable equipment into synchronous condensers, for example, could help maintain grid stability.
He also called for policy and commercial frameworks that recognise and compensate operators for providing grid stability services, enabling existing infrastructure to support the transition towards newer technologies.
Expanding geothermal opportunities through innovation
Nicolas Eyssallenne, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Karda One, highlighted how engineered geothermal technologies could expand access to resources beyond areas with traditionally favourable geological conditions.
Geothermal energy could provide reliable low-carbon electricity, heating and cooling, but deployment must account for geological uncertainties, safety considerations and commercial risks. In Singapore, he highlighted the need to assess whether reservoir stimulation techniques could safely and reliably harness geothermal resources.
Mr Eyssallenne also discussed the possibility of using carbon dioxide instead of water-based fluids to extract geothermal heat. However, he noted that this approach remains an area for further research, with technical feasibility and associated risks requiring careful assessment.
Applying alternative fuels across energy and maritime systems
Celestine Lee, Power Generation and Retail Head, Gas and Related Services, Sembcorp Industries, highlighted biomethane as a potential decarbonisation pathway that could leverage existing gas infrastructure, lowering barriers to adoption.
She explained that commercial deployment would depend on connecting viable biomethane supply sources with customers that place sufficient value on lower-carbon energy. This would require coordination across the value chain, including energy suppliers, customers, regulators and technology partners.
Xinwei Chen, Deputy Executive Director, Singapore Maritime Institute, discussed the maritime sector's transition towards cleaner fuels and electrification. He highlighted ongoing efforts to support cleaner harbour craft and the infrastructure needed for battery-powered vessels.
For international shipping, the challenge is more complex. As the industry explores multiple fuel pathways, including ammonia, safe bunkering practices and supporting infrastructure will be essential. Mr Chen highlighted research into the safe handling of ammonia at scale, alongside the importance of international partnerships.
Creating the conditions for commercial deployment
Beyond technological innovation, panellists highlighted the importance of policy, partnerships and industry capabilities in accelerating deployment.
Mr Dhaman emphasised that standardisation could help replicate successful technologies and support commercialisation. Mr Chen similarly identified partnerships, enabling policies and skilled people as essential to translating emerging technologies into practical applications.
The discussion highlighted that the next stage of low-carbon innovation will depend not only on developing new technologies, but also on identifying where they can be deployed safely, reliably and economically. Aligning technological development with customer demand, existing infrastructure and supportive frameworks could help Asia bring a wider range of low-carbon solutions into its energy systems.
Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) for key insights and the latest updates.
