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United News of India
28-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Andhra, Singapore discuss cooperation in Green Energy, Data Centre Development
Singapore, July 28 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Dr. Tan See Leng, today to discuss enhanced collaboration in sectors such as green energy, data centres, logistics, and housing. During the meeting, held as part of his second-day visit to Singapore, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's major initiatives in green energy. He sought greater cooperation from Singaporean firms in projects related to green hydrogen, transmission corridors, and port development. He emphasised the need for Singapore's participation in establishing data centres and elaborated on the state's rapid expansion of its port infrastructure. Recognising Singapore's global strength in logistics, the Chief Minister called for its support in implementing best practices in the ports and logistics sectors in Andhra Pradesh. He also underscored the importance of Singapore's involvement in human resources, science and technology, and trade collaboration. Addressing concerns faced by Singaporean companies during the previous administration, the Chief Minister assured Minister Tan that measures are being taken to resolve those issues and that his visit reflects a commitment to transparency and rectification. He remarked that his government is investment-friendly and deeply values its relationship with Singapore. Recollecting past initiatives, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu cited the development of Singapore Township in Hyderabad during his earlier tenure as a symbol of admiration for Singapore's planning and efficiency. He also noted that Hyderabad once adopted night time street-cleaning inspired by practices observed in Singapore. To further the partnership, the Chief Minister extended a formal invitation to Minister Tan to attend the upcoming Global Investors Summit scheduled for November in Visakhapatnam. In response, Minister Tan See Leng expressed Singapore's keen interest in working with Andhra Pradesh in the fields of housing and subsea cables. He affirmed that both sides could jointly pursue initiatives in these areas. The Minister also mentioned Singapore's ongoing collaboration with the World Bank on green energy and housing-related programs. Reminiscing about his previous visit to Hyderabad and his earlier meeting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Tan expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation. The meeting was attended by Andhra Pradesh Ministers Nara Lokesh, P. Narayana, and T.G. Bharat, along with senior officials from the state government. UNI XC-DP AAB
Hans India
28-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Naidu meets Singapore minister, discusses green energy, data centre development
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on the second day of his visit to Singapore, met Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr Tan See Leng, and discussed collaboration in sectors such as green energy, data centres, logistics, and housing. During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh's major initiatives in green energy and sought greater cooperation from Singaporean firms in projects related to green hydrogen, transmission corridors, and port development. According to the Chief Minister's Office, Naidu emphasised the need for Singapore's participation in establishing data centres and elaborated on the state's rapid expansion of its port infrastructure. Recognising Singapore's global strength in logistics, he called for its support in implementing best practices in the ports and logistics sectors in Andhra Pradesh. He also underscored the importance of Singapore's involvement in human resources, science and technology, and trade collaboration. Addressing concerns faced by Singaporean companies during the previous administration, the Chief Minister assured Minister Tan that measures are being taken to resolve those issues and that his visit reflects a commitment to transparency and rectification. He remarked that his government is investment-friendly and deeply values its relationship with Singapore. Recollecting past initiatives, CM Naidu cited the development of Singapore Township in Hyderabad during his earlier tenure as a symbol of admiration for Singapore's planning and efficiency. He also noted that Hyderabad once adopted nighttime street-cleaning inspired by practices observed in Singapore. To further the partnership, the Chief Minister extended a formal invitation to Minister Tan to attend the upcoming Global Investors Summit scheduled for November in Visakhapatnam. In response, Minister Tan expressed Singapore's keen interest in working with Andhra Pradesh in the fields of housing and subsea cables. He affirmed that both sides could jointly pursue initiatives in these areas. The Minister also mentioned Singapore's ongoing collaboration with the World Bank on green energy and housing-related programmes. Recalling his previous visit to Hyderabad and his earlier meeting with CM Naidu, Minister Tan expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation. The meeting was attended by Andhra Pradesh Ministers Nara Lokesh, P. Narayana, and T.G. Bharat, along with senior officials from the state government.
Hans India
28-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
AP–Singapore Discuss Cooperation in Green Energy and Data Centre Development
Singapore, July 28: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Dr. Tan See Leng, today to discuss enhanced collaboration in sectors such as green energy, data centres, logistics, and housing. During the meeting, held as part of his second-day visit to Singapore, CM Chandrababu Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's major initiatives in green energy. He sought greater cooperation from Singaporean firms in projects related to green hydrogen, transmission corridors, and port development. He emphasised the need for Singapore's participation in establishing data centres and elaborated on the state's rapid expansion of its port infrastructure. Recognising Singapore's global strength in logistics, the Chief Minister called for its support in implementing best practices in the ports and logistics sectors in Andhra Pradesh. He also underscored the importance of Singapore's involvement in human resources, science and technology, and trade collaboration. Addressing concerns faced by Singaporean companies during the previous administration, the Chief Minister assured Minister Tan that measures are being taken to resolve those issues and that his visit reflects a commitment to transparency and rectification. He remarked that his government is investment-friendly and deeply values its relationship with Singapore. Recollecting past initiatives, CM Chandrababu Naidu cited the development of Singapore Township in Hyderabad during his earlier tenure as a symbol of admiration for Singapore's planning and efficiency. He also noted that Hyderabad once adopted nighttime street-cleaning inspired by practices observed in Singapore. To further the partnership, the Chief Minister extended a formal invitation to Minister Tan to attend the upcoming Global Investors Summit scheduled for November in Visakhapatnam. Singapore Keen to Collaborate in Housing and Subsea Cable Sectors In response, Minister Tan See Leng expressed Singapore's keen interest in working with Andhra Pradesh in the fields of housing and subsea cables. He affirmed that both sides could jointly pursue initiatives in these areas. The Minister also mentioned Singapore's ongoing collaboration with the World Bank on green energy and housing-related programs. Reminiscing about his previous visit to Hyderabad and his earlier meeting with CM Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Tan expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation. The meeting was attended by Andhra Pradesh Ministers Nara Lokesh, P. Narayana, and T.G. Bharat, along with senior officials from the state government.
The Star
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Not feasible for Singapore to avoid net‑zero; all options to cut energy emissions on table
SINGAPORE: It is no longer feasible nor practical for Singapore to avoid working towards a net-zero future, said Dr Tan See Leng (pic), Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology. Fluctuations in the prices of fossil fuels due to geopolitical conflicts have driven up energy prices. Dealing with the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, is also critical for Singapore, he said. 'Energy is existential for us, just like water was existential in the 90s,' said Dr Tan in his first formal interview as Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology on July 21. The portfolio sits under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and was created in the latest round of Cabinet changes in May. Dr Tan was previously Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and he continues to helm the Manpower Ministry in the new Cabinet. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had said that science and technology are key drivers of growth, while energy – especially clean energy – will be an important part of his Government's agenda. Singapore now relies on natural gas, a fossil fuel, for about 95 per cent of its energy needs. The Republic's goal is to reach net-zero emissions – where the total amount of emissions is balanced by activities to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere – by 2050. Achieving this would require the energy sector, which makes up about 40 per cent of the nation's total emissions, to cut its emissions. Dr Tan said Singapore is exploring all possible options in its energy transition to ensure its energy needs are met in a sustainable, resilient and cost-effective way. 'Nothing is off the table. We will explore every single pathway, every single possibility, and... make sure it is cost-effective and sustainable,' he said. During the 90-minute interview, Dr Tan fielded a range of questions about Singapore's energy future, from developments in the Asean power grid, to the country's exploration of nuclear and geothermal energy, and the role of emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage. He acknowledged that Singapore's energy transition will result in higher costs, and said the Government will provide support to help people cope. For example, utility rebates such as the U-Save rebates help households to offset utility expenses, while climate vouchers are meant to encourage them to switch to green appliances. Meanwhile, he said the Government will work with businesses such as through energy efficiency grants to help them manage this impact. 'It is not going to be possible for the cost to not go up,' Dr Tan said. 'But what we will endeavour to do is to manage that gradient... and supplement it with rebates, with grants to help our local population, our households and businesses.' Dr Tan said that in the near term, renewable energy imports hold the most promise for Singapore. The Republic has limited access to renewable energy resources, so importing clean electricity generated elsewhere can help. In 2024, Singapore raised its low-carbon electricity import target from four gigawatts (GW) to six GW by 2035. This is expected to make up around a third of the country's energy needs by 2035. Dr Tan said there is a possibility to increase the target beyond this, depending on partnerships. The Asean power grid – which will allow countries to share renewable energy resources – is also gaining traction, with a growing number of bilateral discussions on the issue. For example, Singapore and Indonesia in June inked three key agreements to strengthen cooperation in clean energy and sustainable development, including agreements on cross-border electricity trade. A regional grid is a win-win for countries importing and exporting renewable energy, Dr Tan noted. It will not only help Asean achieve its net-zero ambitions earlier, he said, but also bring about economic growth to the countries. 'Given the vast amount of potential that is within Asean itself, you could unlock significant economic opportunities,' he added. A US-Singapore study on energy connectivity in South-East Asia had assessed that building the Asean power grid can generate US$2 billion (S$2.6 billion) annually in research and development, and create as many as 9,000 jobs a year. Asked if the breakdown of multilateralism around the world helped to focus attention on the importance of the regional grid, Dr Tan said: 'I think that in a way, we've all been encouraged as a result of all of the recent developments.' He added: 'I don't think there's any one major particular push. It's a whole series of nudges. I think the tariffs could also be one of those reminders to encourage all of us to come together and work even more closely as one united Asean.' Dr Tan said the other pathways that Singapore is exploring – such as the use of carbon capture technologies, the potential of hydrogen as a clean fuel, or tapping nuclear energy – are 'still some distance away'. 'So I think in the foreseeable next five years, you will see a lot of work on renewable energy imports, and at the same time, still natural gas, and how to decarbonise natural gas.' Calling his new portfolio a 'redesignation' since he had also overseen energy issues as Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Tan said the new title will help him up the ante in international partnerships. 'It allows a more seamless coordination across the different government agencies within Singapore and also at the same time, when we negotiate internationally,' he said, noting that many countries have dedicated energy ministers. Dr Tan said that while progress on the Asean grid has been made, challenges remain. These include logistical issues like the need to upgrade existing infrastructure to transfer energy. This is where Singapore could step in to provide investments, such as initial funding to crowd in more capital for cross-border energy projects. For example, the Government has appointed Singapore Energy Interconnections, a newly incorporated government-linked company, to specialise in developing cross-border power infrastructure. Singapore's S$10 billion Future Energy Fund – set up to catalyse investments in clean energy technology that may involve high upfront costs and significant commercial, technological and geopolitical risks – could also provide initial funding. But to attract other sources of capital, such as from the private sector, government-to-government frameworks will be needed to give investors greater certainty, said Dr Tan. That would improve the 'bankability' of such projects, he said. 'I think it will attract significant investments, both from public capital, private capital, and even longer-term philanthropic capital.' Going forward, Dr Tan said natural gas will likely remain a core pillar in Singapore's energy mix. But its share will change depending on the development of technologies. 'A good position for Singapore is that by the mid-2040s, natural gas will be around just slightly below 50 per cent of our mix,' he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
27-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
S'pore pressing ahead with R&D on emerging energy options, including hydrogen, geothermal
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Singapore is likely to continue to rely on natural gas, a fossil fuel, even as it looks for cleaner energy sources. SINGAPORE - Singapore is considering all possible options to reduce emissions from its carbon-intensive energy sector. But some technologies, such as those relating to hydrogen, geothermal and carbon capture, need more time to mature before they become viable for the country. In his first interview as Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr Tan See Leng spoke at length on some of these areas, and how Singapore is pushing ahead with research and development on these fronts. 'It is hard to commit today to hydrogen, carbon capture, or for that matter, geothermal, because at this particular point in time, we don't have enough details yet,' he said. 'But we are relentless in our pursuit for research and development, so we have scholars all over to look at which is the cutting-edge technology... Even if we cannot be a first mover in some of it, we want to be the fastest adopter.' Dr Tan said Singapore will spare no effort in ensuring that the nation achieves its target of net-zero emissions by 2050 . 'At the same time, we want... all the different supply pathways to be resilient and affordable. I think that is the key and objective,' he said. On hydrogen Hydrogen can be considered a clean fuel as it does not produce any planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned. It can be produced by passing an electrical current through water, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen. But in order to be considered green, the electricity must be generated by renewable energy, so the process does not emit any CO2. Dr Tan said that due to Singapore's limited renewable energy resources, it is unable to produce green hydrogen domestically . The Republic would have to instead import this fuel – which must be transported at extremely low temperatures of around minus 253 deg C. For context, some Covid-19 mRNA vaccines had to be transported at temperatures ranging from minus 90 deg C to minus 60 deg C, and required specialised cold-chain logistics management. Dr Tan said transporting green hydrogen over long distances is costly, and Singapore is investing in research in developing carrier systems that will allow the country to import it. For example, the Government has a Directed Hydrogen Programme, which has awarded about $43 million to six projects that can help make hydrogen technologies more viable and scalable. One way to transport hydrogen is by using ammonia as a carrier. Ammonia is relatively stable and can be stored and transported at ambient temperatures. Ammonia can either be combusted directly for electricity generation or 'cracked' to separate hydrogen from it, although this reaction would require very high operating temperatures. Singapore in October 2022 also launched the National Hydrogen Strategy, which will accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen. Dr Tan also noted a $62.5 million Low- Carbon Technology Translational Testbed that will support companies in scaling up low-carbon solutions closer to commercial development. On geothermal energy Geothermal energy is another potential energy source that Singapore is exploring. A 2022 report commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) mentioned that emerging technology, including nuclear and geothermal, could potentially supply around 10 per cent of Singapore's energy needs by 2050. In July, The Straits Times reported that a second discovery of high temperatures underground in northern Singapore has shown the potential of using geothermal energy to generate electricity here. Geothermal energy refers to heat derived from the earth's core . However, Dr Tan noted that geothermal energy here is still at a 'very nascent' stage. For example , experts have said it remains to be seen if there is feasibility for sustained energy provision – referring to whether the underground heat reservoirs are able to provide sufficient energy to generate electricity in a stable way – to tell if the energy is economically feasible. EMA had told ST that the authority's current focus is to map out Singapore's underground heat resource . It has commissioned another study to investigate this and the results are expected to be completed in 2026. EMA is also studying other aspects of geothermal energy deployment, such as how deep geothermal systems would need to be regulated, and what their potential impact on the environment is. On carbon capture and storage Carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions essentially refer to technology that can take planet-warming CO2 out of the atmosphere for storage underground. Singapore is likely to continue to rely on natural gas, a fossil fuel, even as it looks for cleaner energy sources. But one area being explored is whether emissions from the energy and chemical sectors in Singapore can be captured and stored, Dr Tan said. He noted that the Government is working with an industry consortium formed by ExxonMobil and Shell, known as S Hub, to study the feasibility of aggregating CO2 emissions in Singapore for storage in other countries. S Hub has plans to develop a CCS project that can permanently store 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 a year by 2030, either in rock formations deep underground or under the seabed. On July 14, three power generation companies were given the green light to conduct CCS feasibility studies to help Singapore transition to a low-carbon future. They will study two pathways of capturing carbon in the power sector to remove carbon emissions. The first method involves installing an on-site unit to capture CO2 from exhaust gas after natural gas has been burned. The waste gas typically contains CO2, water vapour, nitrogen and oxygen. The other technique involves capturing the CO2 generated when hydrogen is produced from natural gas. The hydrogen can be burned to generate electricity and does not produce any CO2 during the combustion. 'We are starting small. We only target those very hard-to-abate sectors,' said Dr Tan. These are emissions-intensive sectors that have limited alternatives for decarbonisation, and include the power, industry and chemical sectors found on Jurong Island. He said carbon capture is a 'well-proven' technology that has been in use in Norway. Other organisations – including the International Energy Agency and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the UN's climate science body – consider carbon capture a credible pathway for countries to reach net-zero emissions, he added.
