SINGPAORE, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th annual Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) saw more than 28,000 top energy leaders, representing businesses, governments and international organisations from 60 countries, sharing insights and perspectives on this year's theme on "Global Energy Transitions".
In a special message, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations said SIEW's theme "provides the opportunity to reflect on the major volatility in oil prices and the critical importance of alternative energy options".
Diverse views from energy thought-leaders were shared at SIEW's anchor events -- the SIEW Opening Keynote Address and Singapore Energy Summit:
"Following the great plunge in oil and gas prices, we are on track for the largest fall in upstream investment in dollars terms ever in 2015 and there are real risks of further cuts in 2016. The longer the squeeze on investment goes, the greater the risks to future adequacy of supply -- there is no room for complacency on energy security," said Dr. Faith Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, as he delivered the SIEW Opening Keynote Address.
"Asia has strong energy demand, rich resources, and huge market scale and potential. The energy transformation will further drive technological innovation, mutual regional energy aid and international energy cooperation," said Wang Min, Executive Vice President of the State Grid Corporation of China.
"With the rapid increase in energy demand driven by industrialisation and urbanisation, Asia provides opportunities in many areas including power generation. We see a clear role for independent energy players with a strong track record to help Asia meet its growing demand for power," said Tang Kin Fei, Group President and CEO of Sembcorp Industries.
"There has been a lot of progress made around storage systems and access to technology. It would be a game changer if this was shared with the developing world," said Gireesh B. Pradhan, Chairman and CE of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) India.
"With capital costs reducing by about 10 times, solar energy does not need government subsidies and can be self-sustainable and compete with fossil fuels," said Eric Luo, CEO of Shunfeng International Clean Energy.
Celebrating achievements in the energy sector, the Singapore Energy Award was also presented at SIEW 2015. Mr. Neil McGregor, Senior Managing Director of the Enterprise Development Group at Temasek and former CEO of Singapore LNG Corporation, and the Housing Development Board were conferred the award for their contribution to Singapore's energy sector.
Commemorating Singapore's Golden Jubilee, the Singapore Energy Story Exhibition was officially opened by Mr. S Iswaran Minister for Trade & Industry (Industry). Commissioned by the Energy Market Authority, the exhibition provided a glimpse into Singapore's energy history and past milestones, and plans to ensure a sustainable energy future. The Opening Ceremony was attended by Singapore's energy pioneers, the Union of Power & Gas Employees (UPAGE), heads of generation companies and students. After SIEW, the Singapore Energy Story Exhibition will be displayed at the Artrium@MCI located at the Ministry of Communications & Information (MCI) from 23 November to 17 December 2015.
Adding their voices to SIEW, some 300 youths participated in Youth@SIEW activities. Students from secondary schools, junior colleges, Institute of Technical Education (ITEs) and universities took part in a lively Q&A session with Minister S Iswaran during "In Dialogue with Youth". The popular Youth Energy Showcase profiled 13 innovative energy projects such as an intelligent building energy management system, a battery rejuvenating charger and a stretchable generator to harvest wave energy.
SIEW will return on 24 October -- 28 October 2016 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Save the date and visit http://www.siew.sg for updates.
About Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW)
In its 8th edition, Singapore International Energy Week is the premier platform in Asia for energy insights, partnerships and dialogue, which brings together the world's leading conferences, exhibitions, and roundtables in one week, one location. SIEW enriches the global energy conversation by convening political, business, academic and energy industry thought-leaders to define and advance the world's leading energy challenges, solutions and actions across the energy spectrum of oil & gas, clean and renewable energy, and energy infrastructure financing. Please visit www.siew.sg for further information.
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 www.ema.gov.sg for more information.
For media queries, please contact:
Wendy Lian
Energy Market Authority
Tel: +65 6376 7651
Email: wendy_lian@ema.gov.sg
Chenny Wulandari
Edelman for Singapore International Energy Week
Tel: +65 6494 1563
Email: chenny.wulandari@edelman.com
