The recent FT Live Asia Green Tech Summit 2024 brought together global industry leaders, policy makers, and innovators to explore the latest trends and strategies in advancing sustainable solutions across Asia. With a focus on energy efficiency, renewable resources, and the transition to clean energy, the summit highlighted key themes and initiatives shaping the green technology landscape in the region.
Latest Sale Founder was unable to attend the VIP in-person conference in Singapore due to diary conflicts but managed to participate using her digital pass on 7th March 2024. One of the overarching themes emphasized at the summit was the importance of energy efficiency and the utilization of renewable resources. Panel discussions underscored the need to prioritize energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy alternatives to mitigate carbon emissions and address climate change effectively.
Singapore’s imperative to adequately equip data centres and its reliance on importing renewable energy from neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia highlighted the significance of regional collaborations in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The ASI Energy Grid emerged as a potential mechanism for enhancing energy security and promoting cross-border energy trade.
The summit led by Financial Times Asia Business Editor Leo Lewis and Nikkei Senior Staff Writers Kiyoshi Ando and Kaori Takahashi, shed light on the global transition away from coal-fired power plants, with notable commitments from the Philippines to phase out coal and prioritize clean energy solutions. This shift aligns with broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy alternatives across the region.
With Eleonor Olcott, China Financial Times Technology Correspondent opening the panel’s discussion, we discovered how China’s rapid adoption of solar energy and its evolving market dynamics were identified as key factors impacting the industry as a whole.
The surge in solar panel installations, coupled with the development of local and provincial wholesale markets, underscored China’s pivotal role in driving the global energy transition and shaping the future of renewable energy.
Addressing energy affordability and accessibility emerged as critical priorities, with panel discussions with Vodafone at the helm centering on leveraging technology, optimizing supply chains, and fostering competitiveness to drive down costs and expand access to clean energy resolutions. Blended finance initiatives and long term investment strategies were highlighted as key drivers for advancing sustainable energy projects in the region.
The summit also highlighted emerging investment opportunities in Latin America and Africa, where significant growth potential exists for green technology deployment and infrastructure development. Initiatives aimed at accelerating decarbonization and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, including transportation, heavy industry, and agriculture, were explored.
Looking ahead, the summit emphasized the importance of embracing emerging technologies and regulatory frameworks to drive sustainable development. From smart buildings and circular economies to eVTOL aviation and hydrogen-powered transportation, innovative suggestions were put forward as key enablers for achieving environmental sustainability and promoting economic growth.
Mercedes Ruehl, Singapore Correspondent for the Financial Times also led the way by ensuring the FT Live Asia Green Tech Summit 2024 served as a platform for global stakeholders to exchange insights, forge partnerships, and chart a course towards a more sustainable future.
As the summit concluded, by prioritizing energy efficiency, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and embracing technological innovations, Asia is certainly destined to lead the global transition towards a greener and more resilient economy. With a focus on transformative strategies and investment, high profile VIP attendees from Climate Change Commission Philippines, EDP Renewables APAC, Boeing Japan, Nissan, ASEAN and Thailand, East Ventures, Undivided Ventures and GenZero (founded by Temasek), showcased the territory is poised to drive the global transition towards an environmentally safe and more rigorous future.