Grace Chua Straits Times 14 Feb 11;
SINGAPORE has the greatest investment potential in South-east Asia when it comes to energy efficiency improvements, says a new report funded by the British government.
The benefits of such initiatives are clear, as the investments would help the region's businesses cut back on energy consumption while maintaining output.
The report, by boutique investment firm ReEX Capital Asia, assessed investment potential in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam based on energy prices, regulatory conditions and the market size in each country.
Singapore could take up to US$1.1 billion (S$1.4 billion) worth of investments in energy-saving technologies and techniques, according to the report.
The figure could swell sixfold if the power sector was included - for example, if generation companies invested in such changes at their plants - said ReEX managing director Frederic Crampe, who presented the report on Friday at an energy efficiency seminar organised by the British High Commission.
Improvements in industrial and commercial buildings could save as much as US$341 million here each year, he said.
Singapore falls midway in the list by market size, but its high, unsubsidised energy tariffs mean that boosting efficiency would pay off faster.
It also enjoys strong government support and has a healthy supply of experts able to implement such projects.
For example, companies here can apply to a $10 million scheme that pays for up to half the cost of their energy audits.
And come 2013, legislation will require energy-guzzling companies to appoint energy managers.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is already training managers and accrediting experts to carry out energy-use appraisals.
However, academic and former NEA chairman Simon Tay, who also attended the seminar, asked how much demand there was for such solutions and investments, and what the level of awareness was.
The Economic Development Board's resource development director, Mr Chiu Wen Tung, said big energy consumers such as pharmaceutical manufacturers were already implementing energy-saving programmes.
