July-August. 2025 | @ green

FORIEGN NEWS

Currently reliant on natural gas for 95 per cent of its power, Singapore aims to reduce this dependence. Its energy sector, which contributes about 40 per cent of national emissions, must pivot rapidly if the city-state is to meet its 2050 netzero target.

To address this, Singapore is exploring all energy options – including nuclear, geothermal, carbon capture, and hydrogen – with a nearterm focus on renewable energy imports.

The country has raised its target to import 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, which is expected to meet a third of the nation ' s energy needs.

Dr Tan stressed that no pathway is off the table, but the energy transition will come with higher costs.

UZBEKISTAN has taken a significant step forward in its energy transition with the formal integration of its first solar power facility into the International Renewable Energy Certificates( I-REC) system.

The milestone was announced during a high-level roundtable hosted on 31 July by the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies.

The event focused on Uzbekistan ' s Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy and the urgent need to strengthen its green certification framework in line with global carbon regulations.

In partnership with the Centre for Green Economy Projects, the I-TRACK Fund presented the I-REC system, now active in 60 countries. This system issues digital certificates confirming the generation of 1,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity. It is considered vital for companies seeking to maintain access to export markets, particularly as the European Union ' s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism( CBAM) takes effect in 2026.

At the roundtable, Uzbekistan ' s Ministry of Economy and Finance signed an agreement with Tech-

Green Vision: Dr Tan See Leng outlines Singapore ' s strategy towards a net-zero future.

Support schemes such as rebates, grants, and energy efficiency incentives are already in place to help households and businesses adapt.

The ASEAN power grid, which enables the cross-border sharing of clean energy, is gaining momentum. Singapore recently signed three agreements with Indonesia to advance cross-border electricity trade.

A US-Singapore study estimates the grid could generate US $ 2 billion annually and 9,000 jobs, highlighting its economic promise.

The newly formed Singapore Energy Interconnections will lead the development of regional energy infrastructure, supported by the S $ 10 billion Future Energy Fund.

To attract private and philanthropic investment, Dr Tan emphasised the need for clear government-to-government frameworks to de-risk projects.

Despite growing momentum, natural gas will remain a significant part of the mix until mid-century. By the 2040s, it is expected to account for just under half of Singapore ' s energy supply.

Singapore ' s bold approach signals that energy security, affordability, and sustainability must move hand-in-hand. Through regional collaboration and long-term investment, the island nation is positioning itself as a leader in clean energy in Southeast Asia.

Green Milestone: First Uzbek Solar Plant Enters Global Renewable Certification Scheme.

nopark LLC, certifying its 823 kW solar plant under I-REC( E).

This marks Uzbekistan ' s first solar registration in the system. Technopark ' s certification follows the previous registration of four hydropower plants under Uzbekhydroenergo JSC, with over 344,000 certificates issued to date.

The green certificates provide additional revenue streams for plant owners and offer compliance with environmental, social and governance( ESG) criteria, while increasing appeal to global investors.

Prominent I-REC users in Uzbekistan now include UzAuto Motors, Knauf, British-American Tobacco, Uzpromstroybank, and data centres- sectors keen to boost their sustainability credentials and stay competitive abroad.

This early move into green energy certification gives Uzbekistan a head start in positioning its industries for low-carbon growth and reinforces its commitment to climate-aligned development.- @ green

TEXAS has once again made energy headlines- this time for setting a record 6 GW battery discharge to support its grid during peak evening demand recently.

The feat, achieved without shutdowns, showcased the critical role of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems( BESS) in stabilising power supply without relying heavily on fossil fuels.

This rapid response highlights a growing global need: as solar installations soar- 600 GW added last year and potentially one TW annually soon- efficient energy storage is no longer optional.

Texas is leading the United States in the rollout of BESS, trailing only China in total capacity. Last August, its grid operator, ERCOT, added 480 MW of new battery storage, including systems from Tesla ' s Gigafactory in Austin.

Though Tesla ' s Megapacks, like most BESS in Texas, still rely on Chinese-made LFP battery cells, their contribution to the grid ' s flexibility is invaluable. It remains uncertain how many of Friday ' s record-breaking gigawatts came from Tesla systems specifically, but their presence is part of a rapidly scaling ecosystem.

Unlike fossil-fuel peaking plants, which face turbine shortages and lengthy construction times, battery systems offer a more agile alternative. Pairing renewables with BESS helps address the intermittency of solar and wind energy, pushing the conversation beyond just generation toward full-spectrum reliability.

Texas ' successful grid balancing act provides a strong case for storage-backed renewables. As demand continues to surge and new nuclear plants take years to develop, fast-acting battery systems are proving their worth, not just for emergencies, but for daily operations.

The message is clear: if the energy transition is to be successful, storage solutions must scale at the same rate as clean energy generation. And in Texas, the future is charging up fast.