Energy leaders to discuss energy connectivity at SIEW 2014

The 7th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) will feature a line-up of esteemed speakers who will provide their insights on key energy issues facing Asia. They include energy thought leaders from industry, government, and international organisations.

Leonhard Birnbaum, who will be delivering the SIEW Opening Keynote Address, is a Member of the Board of Management, E.ON SE. He will share his views on this year’s SIEW theme “Building Energy Connections.” He will highlight how the increased integration of economies and energy markets, at both the global and regional level, will shape the energy future for the world.

Other speakers who will share their thoughts on pertinent issues in the energy landscape at the Singapore Energy Summit (SES) include Ronald Oxburgh, Member of the House of Lords and Ex-Chairman of The Shell Transport and Trading Company; Tang Kin Fei, Group President & CEO, Sembcorp Industries; Arun Majumdar, Vice President, Google Energy; Peter P. Clarke, Vice President, ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing Company, and Masakazu Toyoda, Chairman & CEO of Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ).

This year’s SES will also feature panel discussions on:

• Shaping Asia’s Energy Connections – how building greater connectivity in Asia is opening up new market opportunities;
• Balancing Tomorrow’s Energy Choices – how to strike the right balance of economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and energy security when determining the ideal fuel mix;
• Maximising the Potential of Renewables – effective deployment of renewables into our energy system;
• Energy Technologies and Sustainability – the game-changing role of technology in contributing towards a sustainable energy future.

The Keynote Lunch Address by Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA) will address how energy connectivity can lead to improved energy security and economic benefits. The IEA will also be co-hosting the IEA Industry Dialogue, “Changing Gas Markets in ASEAN – Towards Regional LNG Trading Hubs?” with the Energy Market Authority (EMA). Featuring leading energy experts, this high-level dialogue will identify the next steps towards the creation of a competitive regional gas market.

Rounding out a comprehensive week-long programme, SIEW will once again host roundtables helmed by think-tanks and international organisations. Covering diverse topics such as renewables, transportation fuel choices, electricity market reform, cyber-security, the energy-food-water nexus and clean coal technology, these roundtables provide an ideal platform for the discussion of niche energy issues. Roundtables hosts include: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERIAN), Energy Studies Institute (ESI), Institute of Energy Economics Japan (IEEJ), Institute for the Analysis and Global Security (IAGS) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Press Release, August 19, 2014; Image: SIEW