(Singapore, 26 October, 2012) – We must not wait for the true cost of carbon to become apparent before we confront our addiction to “cheap” energy. This was the crux of Mr. Tsoi Mun Heng’s innovation keynote address on the last day of the inaugural Asia Future Energy Forum. The Director for the Energy and Environment Directorate at the National Research Foundation called for greater innovation in the perception and promotion of sustainable energy, with Asia playing a critical role in bringing about this change of mindsets.
The theme of innovation carried strongly throughout the conferences at the Asia Future Energy Forum and Asia Smart Grid (AFEF/ASG) 2012, which featured over 60 speakers from various backgrounds, including representatives from the Institute of Energy Economics, the International Energy Agency, Masdar and the World Bank.
There was certainly no shortage of innovation on the exhibition floor either, which hosted technology demonstrations and exhibits from nearly 50 exhibitors, including Fong’s Engineering and Manufacturing, which launched its ‘Mistral 150’ wind power generator, and Hann-Ocean Energy, which showcased its ‘Drakoo’ Wave Energy Converter array for small waves, the first of its kind in the world.
“We are very optimistic about the future of renewable energy, especially in the area of wave energy,” said Mr. Henry Han, Managing Director of Hann-Ocean Energy Pte. Ltd., “Through our participation at Asia Future Energy Forum, we have met and secured potential distributors and customers who are keen on our technology, and we’ve had the opportunity to show our product to government representatives from all around the region. We are certainly looking forward to the next exhibition”
Mr. Ronald van der Vlist, Managing Director of Hofstetter, agreed, “The conference has shown the potential for renewable energy and gas in the local market. The attendees are well-informed with the latest developments in the energy market and we are happy to be able to showcase our product offerings here.”
Hofstetter, a specialist in flaring technology and degassing systems, was one of six Swiss companies represented under the Swiss Pavilion. The High Commission of Canada and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry were also represented at the show.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) signed three agreements at the exhibition; a research collaboration with ST Kinetics, and Republic Polytechnic, and licensing agreements with ST Kinetics and MEDAD Technologies. The latter, for exclusive licensing rights to desalination technology developed by a team from the NUS Department of Mechanical Engineering, would allow MEDAD to develop and commercialise the technology worldwide.
The three-day show, which ended on Wednesday, attracted nearly 3000 visitors and 30 distinguished guests and dignitaries, including, Ms. Grace Fu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Singapore, Her Royal Highness, Princess Fadzilah Bolkiah of Brunei, Mr. Soulivong Davarong, Minister for Energy and Mines in the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, Mr. Jose Maria Figueres, President of the Carbon Cold War Room and former President of Costa Rica, Mr. Adnan Z. Armin, Director-General for the International Renewable Energy Agency and Ms. Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency.
Said Mr. Achmat Nadhrain Ibrahim, General Manager of Cypark Resources Berhad, who participated at the investor-matching Innovation Hub, “This is a very well-targeted show. We have gained new insights and information, which are valuable for our future projects in Malaysia. The event also gave us the opportunity to meet like-minded market leaders and rekindle our relationships with acquaintances.”
“The exhibition has been an excellent platform for the promotion of energy conservation technologies and networking with the energy business fraternity,” said Mr. Patrick Foong, Managing Director of Equation Energy.
For more information about the Asia Future Energy Summit or Asia Smart Grid, please visit www.afef.com.sg or www.asiasmartgrid.com.sg.
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Contact Person: Regina
Email: regina.yeo@sprg.com.sg
Telephone: +65 6325 8232
Organization: Reed Exhibition