Opening Remarks by MOS Gan Siow Huang at the ASEAN-France Forum

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

1.    This year marks a significant milestone in Singapore-France relations. In May this year, Singapore had the honour of hosting a State Visit from President Emmanuel Macron. The visit elevated our bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, or CSP in short. We also witnessed the exchange of, not 1 or 2, but 13 agreements and MOUs, including on civil nuclear energy and on clean energy cooperation. In particular, the Intergovernmental Agreement on nuclear energy will allow us to deepen cooperation in areas such as nuclear safety and innovation.

2.    Beyond our bilateral relationship, France has been a strong supporter of ASEAN. In recognition of France’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN, France was conferred the status of “Development Partner” of ASEAN in 2020. Through platforms such as the ASEAN-France Development Partnership initiative, we have been able to work together to address regional challenges such climate change, economic development and sustainability. The inaugural ASEAN-France Forum, one of a kind, therefore builds on this very strong partnership between France and ASEAN.

3.    When it comes to energy, I would like to highlight three areas where I think ASEAN and France can focus our collaboration on. Of course, it is a very long list of things that we can do together but in the nearer term, three top-line items.

4.    First, on nuclear energy. France has been successful in developing a reliable, low-carbon energy mix where nuclear power comprises two-thirds of the energy mix. At the recently concluded ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, the ASEAN ministers commence preliminary discussions on an ASEAN Nuclear Power Plant Development Framework. It is early days, but it is important that we start early and bring in relevant partners with experience and knowledge to share with us the path ahead. France’s experience with nuclear power will bring significant value to these conversations in ASEAN, including safety, regulatory readiness, and human resource development. These are critical foundations and we welcome France’s continued support and participation as we explore this civil nuclear energy journey in the years ahead.

5.    Second, on regional energy interconnectivity. The ASEAN Power Grid is getting more real. The development of ASEAN Power Grid is key to achieving ASEAN’s shared goals of decarbonisation, economic growth, and energy security for our region. Europe has mature regional grids underpinned by multiple overland and subsea interconnections spanning several jurisdictions. For many years, France itself has 37 interconnections with its neighbours. ASEAN can benefit from adapting best practices from Europe’s experience, including on how best to provide regulatory and policy clarity to kickstart project development. This is timely as the ASEAN Energy Ministers have just endorsed the Terms of Reference (TORs) of the ASEAN Submarine Power Cable Development Framework. It is a long title, but basically for us to even kickstart the process of laying interconnections, subsea power cables, we need to have a framework and a set of TORs. We are hoping to learn from our international partners who have a lot more experience. The Framework seeks to facilitate the deployment and passage of submarine power cables in Southeast Asia. Perhaps this can be discussed later on at the “Europe-ASEAN collaboration towards a reliable regional power grid”.

6.    Finally, on commercial participation in decarbonisation projects in Southeast Asia. I know amongst you today seated at various tables there are companies and businesses that are looking for opportunities to invest in this region. Singapore, and I’m sure many of the ASEAN Member States who are represented here today share this excitement and the willingness to welcome the participation of French companies and investors to join us in developing the region’s energy infrastructure. During President Macron’s visit, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority awarded a Conditional Licence to Singa Renewables – a consortium formed by French energy company, TotalEnergies and its Indonesian partner Royal Golden Eagle – to export 1GW of low-carbon electricity from Indonesia to Singapore. There will be many more of such opportunities for commercial participants to catalyse our region’s decarbonisation (goals).

7.    I look forward to the continued partnership between ASEAN and France in realising our shared vision of a cleaner, more resilient and interconnected energy future. Thank you.