Generating interest in Energy Week
Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) is an annual chance for energy’s movers and shakers to talk about solutions within their sector – so what was under the spotlight in 2011?
With 2011 marking its fourth year, the weeklong event is run by the Singapore Energy Market Authority (EMA), formed with the guidance of the Ministry of Trade and Industry a decade ago. Its aim is to develop healthy competition in the energy market, ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, and help Singapore become a ‘global leading energy hub and living lab’.
There was definitely plenty to talk about this year. Civil unrest in North Africa and the Middle East, combined with disasters like the Fukushima nuclear incident in Japan, brought the safety, cost and security of the globe’s energy supplies into stark focus.
Encompassing oil and gas, energy trading, clean and renewable energy sources and smart grids, the events were designed to foster the exchange of ideas and bring together parties from private, public, NGO, scientific and academic circles. Business focused conferences and exhibitions are of course always centred on networking and deal making. But they also create an environment to showcase innovation and drive investment in energy generation and distribution.
Popular buzz-phrase ‘smart grid’ got another airing too. This reflects private and public interest worldwide in advancing energy grid automation via information technology. These technologies continue to improve reliability and efficiency, as they create a shift from centralised producer-controlled networks to those that are more resilient, and allow for responsiveness and control at the consumer level.
Frictions between economic and population growth, and environmental concerns, are not only driving greater efficiency of nonrenewable energy sources, but also firing interest in our most abundant renewables: hence the addition of the Solar Leaders Summit and PV (photovoltaic) Asia Pacific Expo to the 2011 agenda. As well as political and scientific speakers and opportunities for discussion, the exhibition hosted global exhibitors across the spectrum of photovoltaic and other solar technologies.
As keynote speaker, Nobuo Tanaka, the former Executive Director, of the International Energy Agency shared his views and perspectives on a rapidly shifting energy landscape. This included insights into key trends, challenges and opportunities ahead for the energy community. In particular was a focus on the future of energy post Fukushima.
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