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Energy Efficiency Key To Alleviate Carbon Emissions In Singapore

Source: Government of Singapore
Posted on: 18th November 2009

Improving energy efficiency is our key strategy to mitigate carbon emissions says Dr Amy Khor.

Speech by Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Water Resources, at Clean Energy Expo Asia 2009, 18 November 2009, 9:20 am at The Shangri-La
Mr Edwin Khew,
Chairman, Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore,

Mr Michael Dreyer,
Vice President Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse,

Mr WooChong Um,
Deputy Director General, Regional and Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank,

Distinguished Speakers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to join you here today at the Clean Energy Expo Asia 2009, held in conjunction with the Singapore International Energy Week.

Opportunities in Climate Change

In less than a month’s time, the world’s leaders will be gathering in Copenhagen to negotiate a collective agreement on climate change. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges that the international community is facing. It is a global problem, requiring all countries to work together and play their part. Greater adoption of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy will help to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development.

Besides the issue of climate change, rising global energy demand has also led to concerns over the security in energy supplies, and a global race is now on to develop alternative energy sources and find new ways to improve energy efficiency. There are therefore huge opportunities for companies and countries alike in the clean energy sector.

It is thus timely for the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore and Koelnmesse to organise the Clean Energy Expo Asia 2009. This is a unique platform that brings together leading international and regional experts from the public and private sector to share their views on markets, technology, legislation and policies relating to renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region. I hope that the Expo will help to catalyse investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region and thus help to put the Asia Pacific economies on a more sustainable developmental pathway.

Clean Energy

Singapore, too, has identified the Clean Energy industry as a strategic growth area for our economy 2 years ago. Our aim is to position Singapore as a global hub for Clean Energy innovation. As a reflection of our strong commitment, about S$350 million has been allocated to develop R&D and manpower capabilities in this fast-growing sector.

Under our R&D roadmap, Singapore has set out to provide a conducive environment for the development and test-bedding of Clean Energy solutions. The public sector has taken the lead in developing and demonstrating clean energy technologies, including solar systems, on government facilities. Companies are also integrating innovative solar solutions in newly developed green buildings, such as the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system at the Tampines Grande building by CDL.

Another key thrust is the establishment of a world-class solar research centre at the NUS, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, or SERIS in short. SERIS focuses on industry-oriented research in novel solar technologies, as well as integrating solar energy into green buildings. I am happy to note that SERIS would be officially opened tomorrow, as part of the Singapore International Energy Week.

You may have also read in the news recently that the Building and Construction Authority has launched a collaborative R&D project known as Zero Energy Building, or Z-E-B in short, with NUS and SERIS. The ZEB is a retro-fitted green building that is expected to generate as much electricity as it consumes over a typical year by leveraging on energy efficient technologies and solar applications. Through innovation and demonstration, the project aims to build a critical pool of expertise in the solar energy ecosystem, not only for building owners and technology providers but also professional services, such as system integrators, architects and engineers.

In line with these national efforts, an international panel of experts on clean energy has also been invited to Singapore. Over the next two days, the Clean Energy International Advisory Panel will deliberate and advise Singapore on the overall development of our Clean Energy industry.

Energy Efficiency

Given Singapore’s constraints in tapping on alternative energy sources, improving energy efficiency is our key strategy to mitigate carbon emissions. Improving energy efficiency also helps to improve air quality, reduces energy costs for consumers and companies alike, and enhances economic competitiveness.

To drive greater energy efficiency in all sectors of Singapore’s economy, the Energy Efficiency Programme Office was established in 2007. It is co-led by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Energy Market Authority (EMA), with various other Government agencies as members, including the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Housing and Development Board (HDB), the Infocomm Authority of Singapore (IDA), and the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR).

Each member agency drives energy efficiency efforts in their respective sectors by addressing the market barriers that prevent the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and practices. Several of my colleagues from various agencies will be sharing their experiences with you at the later plenaries and break-out sessions. I am certain you will find their presentations informative.

Urban Solutions- Singapore as a Living Lab

These various initiatives complement our broader aim to position Singapore as a reference city for viable urban solutions. With more than half of the world’s population now dwelling in cities, and more expected to join their ranks in the years to come, managing our built urban environment well determine the future health and wealth of nations. Asia will be at the forefront of global urbanization trends because of its vast populations and rapid economic growth. In fact, estimates are that by 2025, 16 out of 27 megacities in the world will be here in Asia.

As a city state with no natural resources, Singapore can play a role to share how we are meeting the challenges of achieving both economic growth and environmental sustainability. Through close collaboration between our government agencies and companies, we are positioning Singapore as a Living Laboratory where companies can create, demonstrate and commercialise cutting-edge urban solutions in areas like clean technologies, green buildings, smart grids, and clean transportation before scaling up for the rest of the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of renewable energy resources and improvements in energy efficiency are important means to tackle the threat of climate change. We are at the threshold of an era that is seeking to move away from near total dependence on fossil fuels for energy to one that has a variety of energy choices and improved sustainability. I would leave it to the entrepreneurs who have the nose to sniff out opportunities to decide how these opportunities can be realised.

I wish you all a productive conference ahead.

Thank you.

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