Speaking at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran, said the two countries shared a common desire not only adapt their own nations’ infrastructure and economies to the climate change era, but also to set an inspirational example across the world.

In fact, Singapore’s International Energy Week event in October will launch the Asia Future Energy Forum in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s World Future Energy Summit.

“With rising energy demands, increased awareness of climate change, and heightened uncertainty surrounding nuclear energy, the need for clean energy solutions has never been more pressing,” Iswaran was quoted as saying in a press release received here.

“The UAE and Singapore are at the absolute vanguard in driving this sea-change, moving beyond mere rhetoric to dramatically reconfigure ‘business as usual’ in the energy arena,” said the minister.

“At the heart of this bold agenda is a stark realization from both nations that true sustainable development can only be achieved by lowering ecological footprints through resonant energy policies and technologies, managing resources in closed loops and instigating widespread behavioral change among industry and individuals alike,” he said.

“Platforms such as the World Future Energy Congress, initiatives like Masdar, and evolving visions akin to Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking 2030 master plan, clearly demonstrate that with imagination, innovation and strong leadership, we can move beyond hydrocarbon dependency to embrace to a better, cleaner and more sustainable future for all,” added Iswaran.

Despite limited access to low-carbon alternative energy sources and significant land constraints, Singapore is keen to mark itself out as a clean energy leader.

Substantial investments have been made in research and development, including the Energy Innovation Program Office (EIPO), which has so far been furnished with $365 million to transform a nascent clean energy industry into a vibrant sector through funding for research, start-ups and capability development.

Feeding into this type of investment are research centers such as the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore and the newly-established Experimental Power Grid Center (EPGC), which will boost efforts to pioneer smart grid technologies.

Singapore is also determined to promote itself a “living laboratory” through a host of test-bedding schemes facilitating the co-creation, demonstration and commercialization of cutting-edge clean energy technologies.

Among the standout projects to date are the Solar Capability Scheme (SCS), which alleviates the high capital costs of integrating solar technologies into new private developments, and the Clean Energy Research and Test-bedding Program (CERT), which uses government buildings and facilities as test-beds for clean energy applications.

Other notable initiatives include test-beds for globally applicable solutions such as electric vehicles, intelligent energy systems, island micro-grids, and even floating photovoltaics - solar panel installations on water instead of rooftops.

Singapore’s clean energy aspirations has enabled it to capitalize on related global opportunities, with major multinational companies such as Renewable Energy Corporation, Vestas Wind Systems and DNV Clean Technology Center choosing the country as a base for manufacturing and R&D operations in order to tap into the Asia-Pacific.

“There is always scope to raise our level of participation in the global clean energy dialogue, learn from the experiences and expertise of other countries, and reach out to more partners for clean energy investments,” explained Iswaran.

Closer to home, Singapore will host its flagship Singapore International Energy Week (siew.sg) from Oct 22-25.

Besides the Singapore Energy Lecture and Singapore Energy Summit hosted by the Energy Market Authority of Singapore, the week will feature the inaugural Asia Future Energy Forum and Gas Asia Summit events as well as returning events such as PV Asia Pacific Expo, Asia Smart Grid, EMART Asia and Downstream Asia

The annual SIEW, now into its fifth year, is the foremost platform for top policymakers, industry players and commentators to discuss energy issues, strategies and solutions.

SIEW aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and discussions on pertinent energy issues, while simultaneously meeting the strategic objectives of Singapore’s commitment to become a global leading energy hub and “living lab.”