19 Jun 2024

On 19 Jun 2024, Prof Johan Sulaeman, Director of SGFIN, had the opportunity to moderate for the Low-Carbon Transition panel discussion, which was part of CleanEnviro Summit Singapore 2024. He was joined by Mr Adrian Ow from UOB, Ms Eu-Lin Fang from PwC Singapore and Mr Keishi Takemasa of Modern Asia Environmental Holdings Ptd Ltd.

The discussion highlighted that it was positive that growth is being seen in financing directed towards solar energy and electric vehicles. However, it also emphasized that more financing is required for an economy-wide low-carbon transition.

Promising technologies such as small modular reactors, low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture technologies, food waste (for energy from waste), and nature-based solutions were discussed. The importance of financing solutions for SME’s and supporting novel business models like circularity oriented systems was also addressed.

Commercialization and bankability for some of these technologies remains a challenge at this point. Although these technologies do not meet the criteria for conventional financing, there is nevertheless a need to bring them to market as they are crucial for achieving low-carbon goals. The discussion that followed used this as a segue for discussing the opportunities for using blended financing to mitigate the increased risks associated with newer technologies and attract additional capital.