Sets tone for week's theme on "Securing Our Energy Future"

1.    Nobuo Tanaka, former Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) delivered the Singapore Energy Lecture (SEL) today. The SEL kicked off the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2011. Sharing his "Comprehensive Energy Security" vision at the Singapore Energy Lecture (SEL), Tanaka noted that there was a need for a new framework on energy security, particularly given the uncertain global economic outlook and heightened price volatility. In his Opening Address, Mr S Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry echoed Mr Tanaka's view that energy security is no longer just about oil supply but also other energy sources. Mr Iswaran also shared Singapore's multi-pronged strategy to maintain its energy balance and to develop technologies that can help enhance Singapore's energy security.

2.    "The future of energy security is more complex and difficult today. It requires us to work with neighbouring countries to secure and supply energy needs in an affordable and sustainable way.  I would like to see Asian countries work together in the future to create a framework that will achieve an interconnected grid in the region," said Mr Tanaka, currently the Global Associate for Energy Security and Sustainability at The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ).

3.    Mr Tanaka also shared insights into key trends, challenges and opportunities ahead for the energy community. In particular, he gave his views and perspectives on the future of energy markets following the Fukushima disaster in Japan and its impact on global efforts to secure their energy mix.

4.    At the same event, Mr Iswaran, shared Singapore's strategy to addressing its energy challenge of securing reliable energy supplies to sustain the country's growth. A key thrust of Singapore's energy strategy is diversification, for which the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal was developed. With the LNG terminal due to commence operations by the second quarter of 2013, more options are also being explored for the medium term to enhance Singapore's energy security and fuel mix, he told the 800-strong audience. Among this is the possibility of importing electricity from the region.

6.   Mr Iswaran announced that by the end of this year, the government will commence a public consultation on the regulatory framework and will be looking into possible ways of introducing electricity imports to ensure benefits to consumers in Singapore, without compromising the reliability of the country's power system.  Through the consultation, the government hopes to seek further views from the industry and other key stakeholders before it makes a decision on electricity imports.   

7.    Highlighting the second thrust in addressing Singapore's energy challenges, Mr Iswaran talked about managing energy demand. He said the city-state does this by pricing energy right to reflect its true cost, without subsidies that can lead to the inefficient use of a scarce and precious resource.

8.   He also spoke about Singapore's third thrust to be a "Living Lab" for innovative energy solutions through the test-bedding of technology which could help Singapore overcome energy constraints in future.  Referring to the electric vehicle pilot project which started in June this year, Mr Iswaran announced that Renault-Nissan would be coming onboard as well with two new electric vehicles--the Renault Fluence Z.E. and the Nissan Leaf. 

9.    As part of Singapore's strategy to promote innovative technologies in energy, the Minister also announced the awarding of the Pulau Ubin micro-grid programme to a Singapore-based consortium comprising two companies, Daily Life Renewable Energy and OKH Holdings, to design, build, own and operate the micro-grid, which could supply electricity to residents and businesses on the island.

10.        The Singapore International Energy Week, which runs from 31 October to 4 November, will see a suite of other high-level strategic discussions, B2B conferences and exhibitions, and networking receptions take place during the week. Besides the Singapore Energy Lecture, there will be the Singapore Energy Summit, Asia Smart Grid (new), Carbon Forum Asia, Clean Energy Expo Asia, Downstream Asia, EMART Asia (new), PV Asia Pacific Expo (new), collectively covering the full spectrum of energy verticals including oil & gas, renewable energy, energy trading and smart grids.

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About the Singapore International Energy Week

The 4th Annual SIEW 2011 is the foremost platform for top policymakers, industry players and commentators to discuss energy issues, strategies and solutions.  SIEW 2011 brings together the world's leading conferences, exhibitions, workshops and networking events in one week, in one location.  Covering key issues such as oil & gas, energy trading, clean energy and smart grids, SIEW 2011 provides the ideal focal point to discuss energy security through the generation of ideas and exchange of best practice.  More information about SIEW is available at www.siew.sg. 

About the Energy Market Authority

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the 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 our website www.ema.gov.sg for more information.

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Annex A - Overview of the Event Lineup for Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2011

SPEAKERS

Among the line-up of prominent speakers will be:

• Nobuo Tanaka, Former Executive Director, International Energy Agency, who will deliver the Singapore Energy Lecture;
• S Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister's Office & Second Minister for Home Affairs & Trade and Industry, Singapore, who will speak at the Singapore Energy Summit;
• Jose D Rene Almendras, Secretary of Energy, Philippines, who will speak at the Singapore Energy Summit;
• YB Senator Dato' Sri Idris Jala, Minister in Prime Minister's Office & Chief Executive Officer, PEMANDU, Malaysia, who will speak at the Singapore Energy Summit;
• Mohamed Bin Dha'en Al Hamili, Minister of Energy, UAE, who will speak at the Singapore Energy Summit;
  Peter Voser, CEO, Royal Dutch Shell, who will speak at the Singapore Energy Summit dinner session;
• José Gabrielli, CEO, Petrobras, who will speak at the Singapore Energy Summit dinner session and Downstream Asia;
• Michael Liebreich, Chief Executive, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, who will speak at the Singapore Energy Summit;
• Professor Martin A. Green, Executive Research Director of ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence, University of New South Wales, who will present at the PV Asia Pacific Conference;
• Willem Van Putten, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, KEMA, who will speak at Asia Smart Grid;
• Gil-Hong Kim Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Division, Regional and Sustainable Development Department, Asian Development Bank, who will speak at Clean Energy Expo Asia; and
• Bhawana Suphavilai, President, PTT Energy Solutions Company, who will speak at Downstream Asia.
• Gao Jifan, CEO, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy, who will speak at PV Asia Pacific Expo.

CONFERENCES

• The Singapore Energy Lecture (31 October) will be delivered by Nobuo Tanaka, former Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). He will be sharing his views and perspectives on the rapidly changing energy landscape, as well as detail his insights into key trends, challenges and opportunities ahead for the energy community. In particular, he will examine the future of energy markets post the Fukushima disaster in Japan and its impact on global efforts to secure our energy future.
• The Singapore Energy Summit (31 October), a high-level strategic dialogue will bring together Ministers, policymakers and business leaders to discuss solutions needed for the energy sector. In a new format this year that gives attendees greater opportunity to interact with the speakers, the Singapore Energy Summit will feature a series of themed panel discussions. The three topics to be debated are Securing our Energy Future, Energy for Smart Communities and Power Trends in Southeast Asia. Moderated by industry experts, these panels will feature leading energy players sharing their viewpoints and perspectives "live".
• Asia Smart Grid (2-4 November) will bring together leading industry players across the entire electricity and utilities value chain to set the stage for international smart grid providers and suppliers to exchange and share knowledge with Asian policymakers, regulators, utilities companies and system integrators. The two-day conference will also provide insights into investment opportunities, regulatory challenges and considerations, implementation issues, as well as practical lessons through country-focused presentations, panel discussions and a facility visit to Singapore's Experimental Power Grid Centre (EPGC).
• Carbon Forum Asia (2-3 November), Asia Pacific's leading annual trade fair and conference for climate and carbon finance, emissions trading and low carbon technologies, will discuss key trends and issues that will shape the future of the carbon & energy market in Asia Pacific and beyond.
• Clean Energy Expo Asia (1-3 November) will bring together leading players from the technology, services, finance and governmental sectors, in order to address key issues in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility solutions. The three-day conference and workshop will focus on delivering key insights on commercialisation issues, policies, financing mechanisms and technologies that delegates can apply to their business and projects.
• Downstream Asia (1-2 November) is the largest refining and petrochemical event in Asia, and consists of exhibitions, conference, workshops, seminars, site visits and a China Refining Focus Day (led by ChemNet and Sinopec). The aim of Downstream Asia is to bring together all key players in the oil & gas and petrochemical refining industry to discuss important issues such as market trends, margin improvements, fuel regulations, transportation fuel, environmental concerns, latest cracking technologies, catalyst developments, and integration of petrochemical complexes. The Downstream Asia agenda is led by an Advisory Board consisting of senior executives from most NOCs in Asia as well as the major IOCs.
• EMART Asia (3-4 November) is the leading Asian summit for energy trading, featuring a two-day conference, exhibition, pre-summit seminars, an exclusive traders' party and excellent networking opportunities. The aim of EMART Asia is to enhance Singapore's position as an energy trading hub by attracting all global participants in the energy trading space who are looking to do business in this region. It will cover key issues across underlyings (power, gas, oil) such as regulation, security of supply, LNG developments (e.g. transportation, storage, trading, pricing), market/price modelling, risk management, data exchange, market transparency, cross-border trading, derivatives trading & structuring, clearing developments, and electronic trading.
• PV Asia Pacific Expo (1-4 November) will gather players from all the aspects of photovoltaic technology, including manufacturing and applications. It comprises an extensive exhibition running from the 1 to 3 November, as well as various programmes including Solar Leaders Forum, PV Asia Pacific Conference and Industrial Technology Conference with leading industry and scientific luminaries. Key PV issues that will be covered include government incentives, development trends, technical upgrading, conversion efficiency, BIPV systems, smart grid connection, financing and risks, among others.

ROUNDTABLES

• The Singapore Electricity Roundtable (1-2 November) is an international forum on electricity and energy issues. Presented by Energy Market Company, the operator of Singapore's wholesale electricity market and Asia's first liberalised electricity market, the Roundtable brings together influencers, decision-makers, potential investors and experts to discuss issues and challenges facing the electricity and energy sectors.
• The Technology and Rare Earth Metals for Clean Energy Roundtable (1 November) is organised by the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS), and will explore the supply chain risks of rare earth elements and discuss the formulation of mitigation strategies.
• The Asia's Fuel of the Future: Gas or Coal? Roundtable (1 November) is organised by the Energy Studies Institute (ESI) and will discuss the future roles of coal and gas in Asia. The roundtable will also explore the relative costs of producing or importing gas in Asia, as well as the relative environmental and security costs of gas versus coal for Asia.
• The Behaviour, Economics, and Energy: Lessons for Asia? Roundtable (1 November), organised by ESI, will explore the role of behavioural economics in formulating energy policy. The roundtable will address whether policy prescriptions that stem from behavioural economics should be a substitute for more mainstream economic interventions in energy markets.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

EMA will be organising multiple networking receptions throughout the week to provide delegates and guests opportunities to establish new relationships and strengthen existing ones.  At the sixth annual Platts Top 250 Global Energy Companies Asia Awards Dinner, there will be the chance to network with and celebrate some of the most influential Asian energy executive award winners.