Singapore-International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) High-Level Forum

• H.E. Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister in Charge of Energy, Science & Technology, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore

• Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

• Christophe Inglin, Vice Chairman, Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS)

• Gurbuz Gonul, Director, Country Engagement & Partnerships, IRENA

The transition towards sustainable energy systems requires an unprecedented level of regional cooperation and investment that the public sector alone cannot fulfil. As regions worldwide work towards enhanced energy connectivity, governments and policymakers must play a central role in cultivating robust investment ecosystems that support the development of secure, sustainable, and affordable energy.

This session will explore how governments have facilitated regional energy integration while managing their national priorities. Panellists will share insights on essential policies, regulations, and partnerships to unlock investment opportunities that accelerate cross border energy projects.

Key Discussion Points:

• What policy innovations and regulatory frameworks are needed to mobilise investments in regional interconnection projects and facilitate cross border energy trade?
• How can governments balance energy security considerations with regional integration objectives?
• What roles can governments play in de-risking investments and fostering public-private partnerships for cross border energy infrastructure?
• How can regional cooperation mechanisms be strengthened to support energy security and sustainability within the region?

Panel:

• H.E. Sharon G. Garin, Secretary, Department of Energy, Republic of the Philippines
• H.E. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE

Moderator:

• Gurbuz Gonul, Director, Country Engagement & Partnerships

• H.E. Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State of the Ministry for Power, Ministry of and New and & Renewable Energy, Republic of India

Presented by:

Successfully developing cross border energy infrastructure requires innovative financing approaches, robust business models, and effective risk management strategies. Given the scale of energy sector investments needed by 2030, mobilising capital for regional interconnection projects has never been more critical.

This session will explore the challenges and opportunities of investing in cross border energy infrastructure. The discussion will examine successful investment frameworks, risk management strategies, and innovative business models that can accelerate regional energy integration.

Key Discussion Points:

• What are the key investment considerations and risk mitigation strategies for cross border energy infrastructure projects?
• How can innovative investment mechanisms and business models help accelerate regional energy integration?
• What technical and commercial solutions are needed to enhance the bankability of interconnection projects?
• How can renewable energy projects impact local industries and contribute to domestic economies?
• How can stakeholders across public and private sectors work together to create more integrated and resilient regional power markets?

Panel:

• Dato' Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)
• Pascal Radue, Executive Vice President, Generation and Transmission, Nexans
• Grégory Thomassin, Head of Business Development, TotalEnergies Renewables Asia Pacific
• Michael Boardman, CFO, Gurin Energy
• Sharad Somani, Partner, Head of Infrastructure Advisory, Head of Infrastructure, Asia Pacific and Head of ESG Consulting, KPMG in Singapore

Moderator:

• Birribi Dillon, Head of International Partnerships & Development, Institutional, Export Finance Australia

This session convenes distinguished leaders to examine how we can collectively advance regional energy integration and the commercialisation of low-carbon technology. Speakers will explore practical steps to accelerate investment flows and facilitate collaborative approaches needed to set the stage for continued dialogue and cooperation.

Key Discussion Points:

• How can regional collaboration frameworks be designed to accelerate the large-scale deployment of low-carbon energy technologies?
• What are the key policy design features and incentives that can foster investments into next-generation energy infrastructure?
• How can technological innovation enhance the efficiency and resilience of regional energy systems?

Panel:

• Roberto Lorato, Director and Chief Executive Officer, MedcoEnergi
• Dr Nor Azlan Bin Mostafa, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer, Single Buyer
• Ravi Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Portfolio Development Group, Managing Director, Investment Group, New Energy and Industrials, Temasek
• Nuri Doğan Karadeniz, Executive Board Member, Karpowership
• Mats de Ronde, Head of Energy Markets & Strategy in APAC for Energy Systems, DNV

Moderator:

• Ethan Zindler, Head of Countries and Policies, BloombergNEF

This fireside chat brings together distinguished leaders to share their insights on the opportunities and challenges for financing renewable and infrastructure projects. The discussions will delve deeper into the considerations and solutions that financers utilise to guide their investment decisions for a cleaner tomorrow.

Key Discussion Points:

• What are the key metrics or decision points that financial institutions and investors use to evaluate such projects and how are they operationalised?
• What innovative financing instruments can help unlock capital for regional renewable energy and green infrastructure projects?
• How can cross-border cooperation enhance access to financing and accelerate the development of interconnected energy systems across Southeast Asia?

Panel:

• Dr Megumi Muto, Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Mizuho
• Francisco Catalão, Executive Member of the Board, CFO, Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal

Moderator:

• Kavita Ghandi, Executive Director, Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (Invited)