KAS RECAP joined forces with KAS PDA to initiate a new format, the KAS Energy Dialogue Asia. Both regional programmes invited researchers, energy experts, and representatives from international organisations to Singapore on November 21-22, 2023. The goal was to provide a platform for insightful discussions on the nexus between energy security, decarbonisation and climate change in Asia and Europe.
In Asia, as well as in other parts of the world, rapid industrialisation, growing populations, and technological advancements have amplified the demand for energy. Many nations, however, find themselves reliant on a limited number of energy sources and suppliers. Diversification of energy sources is a logical, though often hard to obtain consequence. In addition, the transitions to clean energy are bringing major structural changes to energy generation. Driven by cost reductions and favourable policy environments, surging renewables might further change the energy landscape in line with climate change objectives.
Against this backdrop, the event kicked off with a panel on Energy Security in a Fragmented Global Order. Different perspectives on current energy security developments were presented, from national perspectives, e.g. India, as well as more aggregated views from the wider ASEAN region. The following panel, Navigating Energy Transitions in a Changing Climate, contextualised energy security with more specific decarbonisation developments. Participants discussed, amongst others, how to converge pathways of energy security and decarbonisation, for example by diversifying energy supplies, exploring alternate energy systems or introducing measures to better manage the demand side. The event’s third panel on Policy Pathways to Energy Security for Asia’s Emerging Economies included a presentation on the EU decarbonisation strategies and concluded the first day after engaged discussions about the structural differences between the two regions.
The second day's morning panel focused on Southeast Asia and Alternative Energy Sources and Regional Approaches. An insightful presentation on the chances and challenges that come with rare earths and critical minerals kicked off this session. Presentations and expert discussions on ASEAN, its possible power grid integration as well as measures for effective financing of decarbonisation and energy transitions in the region ensued. Participants analysed different national and regional diversification strategies and debated effective policy approaches.
With its diverse range of experts actively participating and engaging, the roundtable provided a great opportunity for mutual learning. The multidisciplinary nature of the nuanced discussions ensured a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between energy and other security concerns as well as economic stability. The event helped to better understand recent shifts in the political perception of energy security and – from a European perspective – to explore lessons learned from developing countries with precarious energy dependencies.
With this successful launch, we are looking forward to future events under the “KAS Energy Dialogue Asia” label further fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to address the challenges posed by energy vulnerabilities. And thus paving the way for a more resilient, sustainable and energy secure future.
