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

Organiser	Energy Market Authority and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Date	27 Oct 2026, 14:00 - 15:30 hrs
Venue	Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Amidst global tensions, renewable energy continues to demonstrate resilience and growth. The 2026 International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Renewable Capacity Statistics report highlights that global renewable power capacity grew by 692 GW or a 15.5% increase over the past year. IRENA also highlights that renewables continues to maintain their price advantage over fossil fuels, with cost declines driven by technological innovation, competitive supply chains, and economies of scale. With demand growing across transport, industry, buildings, and digital technologies, accelerating the electrification of end-use sectors will be critical to achieving a global electrification rate of 35% by 2035 (IRENA 2026). Additionally, there is an opportunity for the Southeast Asia region to drive green industrialisation by strengthening the manufacturing capabilities of renewable energy technologies and components, as well as through renewables- and sustainable fuels- powered industrial processes. The pathway is clear: scaling renewables,modernising energy infrastructure and greening industries is key to enhancing economic and energy resiliency.

Under the theme “Connecting Investments for an Interconnected Energy Future”, the Singapore-IRENA High-level Forum will focus on how IRENA can enhance accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in Southeast Asia under their Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia (APRESA) initiative – which was first unveiled at SIEW 2025. From enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, to derisking investments and unlocking private capital flows and scaling investments in grids,cross-border infrastructure for regional energy connectivity, and development of local supply chains, the Forum will examine the critical building blocks needed to translate ambition into action.

Time (GMT +8)	Programme
14:00 – 14:05 hrs	Opening Address by Singapore H.E. Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), Singapore
14:05 – 14:10 hrs	Keynote Address H.E. Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR (invited)
14:10 –14:20 hrs	Opening Address Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Christophe Inglin, Vice Chairman, Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS)
14:20 –14:35 hrs	Fireside Chat: Enabling Investment for the Energy Transition Mobilising capital for renewable energy requires robust policies and clear investment signals. This session will explore how policies, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships can mobilise both public and private investment. Panellists will also share insights on how international cooperation can help close the financing gap. Key Discussions: How are governments calibrating their policy and regulatory frameworks to attract private capital at scale for renewable energy? How can international partnerships and bilateral cooperation accelerate cross-border renewable energy investment? What roles do energy security and affordability considerations play in investment planning and project prioritisation? Panellists: Chris Stark, Head of UK’s Mission for Clean Power, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Moderator: Gurbuz Gonul, Director, Country Engagement & Partnerships, IRENA H.E. Eng. Salim Bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Vice Chairman of the Board of the Oman Investment Authority (Invited) The Honourable Sharon Garin, Secretary, Philippines Department of Energy (Invited)
14:35 – 15:05 hrs	Session 1: From Projects to Capital — Unlocking Finance for Renewable Energy Projects To stay on track towards the tripling renewables goal by 2030, IRENA estimates that more than 1,000 GW of renewable capacity will need to be added globally. Against this backdrop, this session will bring together project developers, investors, and financing institutions to explore what it takes to move renewable energy projects from concept to financial close. Panellists will discuss the key ingredients for bankability, including project preparation, risk mitigation, and financing structures that can improve investor confidence. Panellists: Frederik Wisselink, Energy Envoy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy, Netherlands H.E. Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA, United Arab Emirates Mitesh Patel, Chief Operating Officer, SunCable Sharad Somani, Partner, Head of Infrastructure Advisory, Head of Infrastructure, Asia Pacific and Head of ESG Consulting, KPMG in Singapore Moderator: Mr Lavan Thiru, Executive Director, Infrastructure Asia Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar (Invited)
15:05 – 15:35 hrs	Session 2: Connecting the Systems: Financing the Grids and Infrastructure and Greening Industries That Power Tomorrow Scaling renewable energy demands equal focus on grid infrastructure, storage, and cross‑border connectivity. Additionally, green manufacturing through renewables-powered industrial processes and value chain localisation of RE components will be key towards enhancing economic competitiveness. This session explores how to mobilise finance for transmission networks, interconnections, enabling low‑carbon infrastructure and green industrialisation. The panel will also discuss how the region can build the connected energy systems as well as enhance the greening of industries needed to power tomorrow's economies. Key Discussions: How can energy systems across grids, cross-border interconnections, and low-carbon generation be scaled effectively? How can green manufacturing and renewables value chain localisation be strengthened to create economic value, jobs, and enhance industrial competitiveness? What innovative financing models will mobilise capital for next-generation energy infrastructure and green industries? How can strategic partnerships accelerate secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems? Panellists: Frank Phuan, Founder & CEO, Equator Renewables Asia Iwasaki, DG Sectors Department -1 (Energy and Transport), ADB (Invited) Ms Namita Shah, President, Asia and President, OneTech, TotalEnergies (invited)

*Programme subject to change

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

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