Latest news with #energyresilience
CNA
04-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Renewable energy, carbon credits are priority areas of cooperation for Singapore, Philippines: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE: Renewable energy and carbon credits are among 'priority areas for cooperation' for Singapore and the Philippines, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday (Jun 4). 'Our joint initiatives will support our climate goals, boost energy resilience and unlock new opportunities in the green economy,' he said during his first official visit to the Philippines since becoming prime minister last year. Mr Wong said he and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr discussed ways to build on and enhance cooperation between the two countries. They agreed that it was important to expand collaboration in renewable energy, with Mr Wong noting that Singapore companies are interested in projects in the Philippines such as solar and wind projects. 'Such projects can generate economic opportunities for the Philippines while supporting the Philippines' renewable energy targets,' he said. The two leaders also agreed to accelerate efforts to achieve a power grid for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an integrated system to enable power sharing and improve cross-border electricity trade. 'This will improve energy resilience in the region and support ASEAN's green transition,' said Mr Wong, who was making his first bilateral visit since this year's General Election. For carbon credits, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding last August, and officials are working toward finalising a legally binding Implementation Agreement aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. 'This will facilitate commercial participation in carbon credits projects, which can spur technology transfer, green investments and create good jobs,' he said. President Marcos Jr said it is hoped that the early completion of the negotiation on carbon credits will result in climate-friendly actions and increased investments in related sectors. That would create meaningful and sustainable livelihoods and business opportunities for both countries, and produce good sustainability outcomes for communities, he said. Mr Wong gave a toast speech during the official dinner and also held a joint press conference with President Marcos Jr. Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Wong took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument and received a ceremonial welcome at the president's official residence. Singapore and the Philippines have strong economic ties, with bilateral trade amounting to S$19.1 billion (US$14.8 billion) in 2024. The Philippines was Singapore's fifth largest trading partner in ASEAN last year, and Singapore's investments in the Philippines range from real estate and hospitality to telecommunications, consumer goods and utilities. Many Singapore and Philippine companies work together for mutual benefit in areas including logistics and digital infrastructure, said Mr Wong. 'In trade and investments … our links have continued to grow over the years,' he said. 'Singapore has consistently been one of the top investors in the Philippines, and that testifies to the confidence that businesses have in your economy.'
Reuters
21-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
US redirects $365 million Biden had set for Puerto Rico solar power
WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) - The Trump administration said on Wednesday it will redirect $365 million in funding for Puerto Rico's power grid that had been awarded during the previous administration to support rooftop solar power and battery storage. Puerto Rico has long dealt with widespread power outages due to the U.S. territory's crumbling infrastructure, the 2017 bankruptcy of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and a string of devastating hurricanes. It experienced an island-wide blackout a month ago, followed by an outage that hit 134,000 customers. The Department of Energy said the funding will be redirected to "expand access to reliable power for millions of people rather than thousands and generate a higher return on investment for taxpayers while advancing grid resiliency for Puerto Rico." The department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment about where the funding would go instead of solar. But last week Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order that directs Puerto Rico's state-owned utility to plug chronic electricity shortfalls on the island with electricity from oil-burning power plants, which emit pollution including greenhouse gases. The funding for solar power was awarded in late 2024, for projects that had been slated to begin construction in 2026. The DOE said the redirected funding will support practical fixes and emergency activities that offer a faster, more effective solution to the current crisis, benefiting critical facilities like hospitals and community centers.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Cause of fire that shut down Heathrow unknown
A fire at a substation near Heathrow Airport caused major flight disruptions, affecting over 270,000 passengers. The airport was shut down for 16 hours despite power being restored to the terminals within hours of the fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have ruled out suspicious activity. Heathrow Airport expects the final report to address key questions regarding the incident and improve energy grid resilience. The final report, due in June, will cover infrastructure resilience, restoration processes, and the impact of energy-related issues on critical national infrastructure.
