Latest news with #GreenPulsePodcast
Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid?
A long-discussed regional power grid could help Southeast Asia meet rising energy demands while curbing carbon emissions driving climate change. ST PHOTO: HADYU RAHIM Green Pulse Podcast Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Rapidly growing Asean is hungry for power to keep its economies humming. With electricity demand growth of 3 to 4 per cent a year, meeting that demand is a costly challenge for governments in the region. A regional grid, long-talked about, could help the region meet its energy needs while also putting a lid on growing carbon emissions that are heating up the planet. The regional grid could shift power around the region, helping move green electricity to countries less able to produce it. And the grid is becoming a reality, with Singapore's demand for low-carbon electricity imports helping drive investment. But wiring up the whole region will be expensive and large hurdles remain, including stronger policy support from regional governments, guaranteed power purchase agreements and lack of regional power trading networks. Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss these questions in this episode. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:52 The ASEAN power grid was first floated as an idea in 1997 but languished for years. 3:16 What are the key turning points that are helping make the grid a reality? 6:26 Lower air pollution, cheaper power are just some of the potential benefits 9:54 But high upfront costs of wiring up the region is a key challenge 14:48 What are some of the other challenges? 21:41 Blended finance and other funding sources are needed to come together to lure investors Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: Read her articles: Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: Read his articles: Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@ & David Fogarty (dfogarty@ Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcast website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: --- Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
The emerging ocean economy in South-east Asia
Offshore renewables are a key part of the emerging blue economy, as businesses invest in sustainable ocean-based industries to support climate goals. PHOTO: REUTERS Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. A healthy ocean is one of humanity's greatest defences against climate change, and businesses are now starting to recognise the importance – and potential – of the emerging blue economy. From sustainable aquaculture and farming practices, to offshore renewables and sustainable shipping, the ocean is becoming a frontier for innovation and investment. The involvement of the private sector can bring in much-needed funding to ensure that the oceans are managed sustainably. But what are the opportunities in this emerging sector, and is there a tension between profit-making and conservation? Tune in to this episode to hear more from Dr Alfredo Giron, head of ocean at the World Economic Forum. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:06 What is the blue economy? 6:35 What are the traditional and emerging sectors in the ocean economy? 10:22 How can opportunities in the ocean economy be made available to developing countries? 14:59 What are some examples of bankable ocean projects? 17:45 What do countries think of the potential of the ocean economy? 22:55 What is the appetite like among businesses? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: Read her articles: Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: Read his articles: Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@ & David Fogarty (dfogarty@ Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcast website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: --- Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
