Live Event (Singapore)

Singapore already relies on an unusual energy mix, with piped natural gas catering to 80% of consumption demand. As almost all of these resources are imported, Singapore is well aware of the challenges of resource constraint and energy security. The perfect place then for the final Energy Opportunities brainstorm of 2011. The event took place on November 1^st, in conjunction with Singapore International Energy Week. 

Geoff Cutmore's Analysis

The Singapore event turned out to be the liveliest yet. The top of the Marina Bay Sands led to some lofty and lateral thinking from some of the best minds in the world of energy.  The view from the 57th floor didn't distract from the debate as tables worked hard to come up with a solution that explained our headline: a 25% reduction in CO2 levels over 2011 by 2035 due to a change in the energy mix.
Many tables talked of the need for a change in the thinking of consumers, politicians and businessmen alike. 
The need to promote efficiency was also a key theme that came through from several tables, while a price for carbon was clearly at the forefront of many people’s minds. The next step perhaps - to work out how this might happen.

Ex-IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka suggested that only a serious crisis would lead to government led change, while the Asian Clean Fuels Association's Joanne Sophia Chong suggested that more money should be put in the hands of researchers in particular.

The debates at the tables led to a lively room wide discussion before Singapore's Minister for the Environment stood to explain his belief that all aspects of society need to act together to create the sort of change we need.

More highlights

	Kala Mulqueeny, Asia Development Bank, gives her views on the topics covered in the brainstorm.  Watch now
	Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Environment Singapore, expands on the points he raised on his table.  Watch now
	Richard Jones, Deputy Executive Director IEA, sets out his views on our future energy scenario. Watch now