Singapore, 16 November 2009 

Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Energy Studies Institute (ESI) today announced the final programme schedule including speakers, for the upcoming Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2009. SIEW 2009, which will take place from 16 to 20 November 2009, will involve partners ranging from international energy and development institutions, leading industry players, associations, think tanks, academic institutions and government agencies. 

Mr. Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive, EMA said, “Energy is essential for development and economic growth. Asia’s rapid economic development in the past decade has led to ever increasing demand for energy resources. Going forward, countries will need sustainable solutions to meet their energy requirements, especially with the scarcer supply of readily-accessible fossil fuels and the growing threat of climate change. We also need to develop effective frameworks for governments to cooperate with the private sector and make the transition to a low-carbon future. This is a long-term challenge which requires a concerted and coordinated effort across governments, companies and the community.”

Singapore, like many other countries, is searching for solutions to tackle this challenge. Efforts are being put into driving energy research and innovation, accelerating energy sustainability through various policies and programmes, and building an attractive environment for energy investments.

SIEW 2009 builds on the theme, “Clean Energy: Sustainable Solutions for Urban Cities” to address pertinent energy issues affecting the world today. Amidst an ever-changing geo-political landscape, concerns over climate change have sparked strong interest in clean and renewable energy sources with a smaller carbon footprint. There is also an increased sense of urgency as the climate change talks in Copenhagen draw near.

In this vein, SIEW 2009 will have some of the world’s foremost energy thought leaders drive robust discussions around key issues, trends, and best practices for energy security, sustainability, investment and innovation. They will address how the world can use energy in a more sustainable manner for the benefit of present and future generations.

Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, will also share his views on the need to balance global energy needs and climate change in a video message to participants at the SIEW 2009 Singapore Energy Lecture.

In addition to high-level discussions on sustainable energy solutions, SIEW 2009 will also feature a series of business forums, networking events and trade expositions such as the Singapore Electricity Roundtable, Singapore Electric Vehicles Roundtable, Quality & Standards 2009 Conference, Biofuels International Asia Expo & Conference, Sustainable Cities 2009, Smart Grids 2009, Plug-In Singapore: Alternative Energy Vehicles Conference and Expo, and the Clean Energy Expo Asia. To date, more than 1,800 companies and over 5,000 participants have registered for the various events during the week.

“The path towards sustainable development requires all countries to achieve the right balance between economic growth, environmental protection and energy security. Through platforms such as the Singapore International Energy Week, we hope to be able to develop smarter energy solutions for a more sustainable future,” said Mr. Wong.

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