Singapore, 21 August 2012 – At the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) in October, Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, will address a new energy reality confronting the world today - one that will be increasingly shaped by emerging economies.
In Asia, for instance, energy consumption is projected to grow rapidly, fuelled by economic growth and increasing population. This region will be a major catalyst for energy demand growth in the coming decades. Asian countries will face the challenge of securing access to energy supplies at competitive prices, while paying increasing attention to their environmental sustainability goals.
Ms van der Hoeven will address these challenges and opportunities in a wide-ranging dialogue with global and Asian energy leaders during SIEW's Singapore Energy Summit (SES) on 22 October.
She will lead discussions that cover issues such as energy efficiency and assess the various options that could constitute the future energy mix in Asia.
Said Ms van der Hoeven: "The world's energy system is changing at unprecedented speed, and Asia is a key driver. The present state of affairs offers challenges, but also a golden opportunity to act. Countries in Asia need to plan strategically for a more balanced and diverse energy mix and to invest in alternative sources of energy. Both are necessary to promote the energy security and sustainability which will underpin the region's growth, prosperity and well-being."
The business policy discussions that will take place at the Singapore Energy Summit are key highlights of SIEW. The Summit is co-organised by the Energy Market Authority and Energy Studies Institute as a high-level dialogue that brings together ministers, policymakers and business leaders to discuss global energy trends, issues and solutions needed for the energy sector. This year's Summit has four topics on its agenda – Options for the Future Energy Mix; Financing Tomorrow's Energy Needs; Keeping the Door to 2°C Open; and Connecting the Dots: Energy-Water-Food Nexus.
SIEW 2012 takes place from 22 - 25 October at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands. This year, the SIEW theme is on "Shaping a New Energy Landscape", which highlights the need to re-think policies and approaches to ensure long-term energy sustainability. This is set against the backdrop of rapidly-changing energy dynamics that are driving government and private-sector collaboration to achieve market-relevant solutions that ensure energy security.
SIEW 2012 also includes world-leading conferences & exhibitions, roundtables and networking receptions, allowing delegates to discuss energy sector developments, gather information and establish strategic business relationships.