Each country has a different history, a different energy mix. Does that mean each country will just look at its roadmap in isolation? I guess not, maybe that’s precisely where collaboration comes into play.“Each country has a different history, a different energy mix. Does that mean each country will just look at its roadmap in isolation? I guess not, maybe that’s precisely where collaboration comes into play,” said Valery Tubbax, chief financial officer of Hong Kong-based hydrogen power firm InterContinental Energy. Chairperson of Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Industry Association Marina Hsu agreed, saying that associations can invest and advocate for development, but it’s the job of country leaders to “liaise and really think strategically” across the region. Singapore Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, speaking at the forum, said countries in Asia-Pacific need to play to their strengths, and “given different countries’ circumstances, the energy transition strategy for countries in APAC will really differ from one another”. Low said Singapore is focusing on developing emerging technologies, and it recently awarded US$40 million to 12 projects on low-carbon hydrogen, as well as carbon capture, utilisation and storage. “I hope we will only see an acceleration of the pace of deployment of carbon-neutral technologies,” said Thomas Baudlot, CEO of the Southeast Asia arm of French utility firm ENGIE. But how much cash other governments in Asia-Pacific can pour into decarbonisation remains in question. In Southeast Asia, the Covid-19 pandemic caused delays in renewable energy projects and put a strain on the public purse to fund capital projects. Many member states’ climate pledges are also contingent on foreign funding.Valery Tubbax, chief financial officer, InterContinental Energy
Countries in ASEAN may need to place a greater emphasis on balancing social economics with sustainability.“Countries in ASEAN may need to place a greater emphasis on balancing social economics with sustainability,” said Mohamad Irwan Aman, head of sustainability at Malaysian utility firm Sarawak Energy. Others point to the government’s role in managing private players to prevent a chaotic scramble for power generation and distribution markets. Australia’s electricity market hit a crisis point in 2017, when high wind and solar investments caused the closure of fossil fuel plants, while the grid was not prepared for intermittent power supply. After a series of black-outs and close shaves, the government worked on coordinating supply between power plants and invested in batteries - steps that led to a smoother roll-out of renewables in the years since. “The foundation for net-zero in the energy infrastructure space, where everyone can be a winner, starts with a thought through and orchestrated plan,” said Morris Zhou, co-founder and executive chairman at Australian solar power firm Maoneng. “I believe that this responsibility sits with the policymakers around the world.” Citing the need to adapt to climate change, Irwan said companies shouldn’t wait for policy changes before building a business case around addressing climate change. “This is not about environmental issues, it’s about the company’s survival in the long term,” he added.Mohamad Irwan Aman, head of sustainability, Sarawak Energy
No carbon is produced from energy that’s not used. It’s not been sexy to have that discussion, but it’s a missing piece.“No carbon is produced from energy that’s not used. It’s not been sexy to have that discussion, but it’s a missing piece,” said Jeff Connolly, chairman and CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand. The firm provides energy management and tracking services. While smart meters for energy optimisation, along with renewables like solar and wind, are ready for mass deployment, speakers conceded that other popular technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture are nascent and expensive. But they’re bullish about the prospects. “Technology has always surprised us on the upside,” said Vipul Tuli, South Asia CEO of Singapore energy firm Sembcorp.Jeff Connolly, Chairman and CEO, Siemens Australia and New Zealand