QAZAQ GREEN. Singapore and the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the establishment in Singapore of an IEA Regional Cooperation Centre, which will work with all countries in Southeast Asia and beyond to enhance energy security and accelerate clean energy transitions. This will be the IEA’s first office outside of its headquarters in Paris, France. The announcement was made during the IEA’s 50th Anniversary Ministerial on February 13 in Paris.

The IEA Regional Cooperation Centre will serve as a hub for the IEA’s activities and engagements in the region and beyond, providing policy guidance, technical assistance, and training and capacity building. The Centre will focus on scaling-up the deployment of renewables and other clean energy technologies, increasing cross-border power-trade, improving access to finance for clean energy investments. The Centre is scheduled to commence operations in the second half of 2024.

Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng said: “The IEA Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore will deepen our partnership with the IEA. The Centre will be the first energy-focused international organisation in Singapore and will be a strategic asset for the IEA in the Asia Pacific. It will energise the region’s decarbonisation journey, while continuing to provide advice on energy security and resilience.”

IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol said: “On the IEA’s 50th anniversary, I am delighted to announce the establishment of our first ever office outside of our headquarters in Paris. This new office will allow us to significantly increase the IEA’s engagement with Southeast Asia, which is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in the world and will be critical to the energy transition. Through the Centre, we stand ready to accompany all of the countries in the region as they strive to provide affordable, reliable and modern energy for all their citizens”.

Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore Mr Ngiam Shih Chun said: “The establishment of the Centre marks another significant milestone in our cooperation with the IEA. EMA and IEA have worked closely over many years to enhance the region’s capacity on key energy initiatives such as energy efficiency, infrastructure financing and cross-border power interconnections through the Singapore-IEA Regional Training Hub and the Singapore-IEA Forum at the annual Singapore International Energy Week. The Centre will further strengthen our ability to work with the IEA to support the region’s energy transition pathways.”

The IEA was established in 1974 to coordinate response measures to oil supply emergencies. Its activities have since expanded significantly to include analysis, data, policy recommendations and solutions to help countries achieve secure and sustainable energy for all. Since Singapore joined the IEA as an Association country in 2016, both sides have strengthened collaboration to provide capacity building and facilitate policy exchanges in Southeast Asia, including through the Singapore-IEA Regional Training Hub and Singapore-IEA Forum.