Speech by Mr Ng Wai Choong, CE EMA, at the Singapore-IEA Energy Efficiency Training Week for Asia-Pacific

03 Jul 2017

Mr Paul Simons, Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

   A very good morning to you all. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Singapore-IEA Energy Efficiency Training Week for Asia-Pacific. This is jointly organised by the Energy Market Authority of Singapore and the International Energy Agency. We are delighted to welcome 80 participants from 17 countries, not just from the Asia-Pacific region, but also from as far as Iran and Turkey. There is a good mix of participants from government agencies, international organisations, research institutions and industry.

2.   The Energy Efficiency Training Week is the first activity under the Singapore-IEA Regional Training Hub. The Training Hub initiative was announced last October at the Singapore International Energy Week, when Singapore joined the IEA as an Association Country. It is part of our joint efforts to build an inclusive global energy architecture, and to foster stronger regional energy cooperation. It taps on Singapore’s location at the heart of Southeast Asia to provide the Asia-Pacific region with greater access to IEA expertise and to share Singapore’s best practices. Further, we hope that the Training Hub would bring together next-generation policymakers and experts to foster a dynamic and collaborative international energy community.

3.   This year, we have identified energy efficiency as a key area of focus for the Training Hub. According to the IEA, the region has tremendous potential for energy efficiency gains. Based on current policies in place, Southeast Asia will require only 55% as much energy per unit GDP by 2040 as it did in 2013 . We hope that this Training Week would contribute to the collective effort in reducing energy intensity in the region.

Singapore’s Energy Efficiency Efforts

4.   Energy efficiency is close to the heart of Singapore’s energy policy makers. As an island state, we have to make the most of our limited local resources and do more with less.

5.   To ensure sustainable energy use, Singapore has adopted a comprehensive multi-agency approach spanning the four focus areas covered during this Training Week – namely, appliances, transportation, buildings and industry. For example, our National Environment Agency (NEA) recently announced that we will be raising the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for refrigerators by between 5 to 13%, phasing out the least energy efficient models currently available in the market. This allows households to enjoy more electricity cost savings over the operating lifespan of the refrigerators, and helps to reduce Singapore’s carbon footprint.

6.   The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also introduced enhancements to the Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme (FELS), to be launched in January 2018. Fuel economy labels will be re-designed to help potential vehicle buyers make informed decisions in choosing cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars.

7.   On the buildings front, the Singapore Government is leading by example in our energy efficiency efforts. Under the Public Sector Sustainability Plan 2017-2020, all new public sector buildings will attain the Green Mark Platinum Standard set by the Building & Construction Authority (BCA), and at least Green Mark Gold standard for existing buildings.

8.   The government also takes an active role in incentivising energy efficiency in the industrial sector. NEA launched the Energy Efficiency Fund, or E2F, in April 2017 to support a wide range of energy efficiency efforts, such as energy assessments, energy efficient design of facilities, and energy efficiency investments. Through the implementation of energy efficient technologies and best practices, the E2F will reduce energy consumption and raise economic profitability for companies.

9.   You will have the opportunity to find out more about these initiatives during the various sessions this week. I would also like to express our appreciation to our Singapore agencies for their strong support of the Training Week.

Conclusion

10.   I understand that the Training Week has a full programme ahead, including site visits which will enrich your learning experience in Singapore. We hope that the programme will provide new insights and information useful for enhancing energy efficiency in your respective countries. Last but not least, I hope you will have some time to see the different parts of Singapore, and learn more about our unique culture and heritage.

11.   I wish everyone a fruitful and enjoyable time in Singapore. Thank you.