29 April 2009

As environmental issues get more complex these days with the threat of global warming looming in the horizon, any opportunity to learn from countries who had enjoyed significant progress in tackling these environmental odds, is not to be missed. Through our partner, the Energy Studies Institute (ESI) at NUS, SEI recently invited Professor Adrian Verkooijen, a distinguished energy technology expert from the Delft University of Technology to share his technical expertise on emission reductions to strengthen our knowledge base on climate solutions. Prof Verkooijen heads the Energy Technology Laboratory in the University and leads the university's research programme in power engineering which includes research work into resilient nuclear systems. The European Nuclear Commission also sought his advice on nuclear matters.

Lecture by Professor Verkooijen on Netherlands' experience at SEI's PSS

Prof Adrian Verkooijen hailed from Netherlands, a country in Western Europe whose land actually lies below sea level. As such, the country is especially vulnerable to the impact of global warming which raises sea-level resulting in floods. The country has since fortified its land with dams & its perimeters with tidal walls to regulate the flow of seawater in its inlands. Island-state Singapore share similar environmental challenges like Netherlands due to geographical circumstances. Hence, global warming remains a real threat for both countries. Singapore can tap Netherlands's experience. And SEI is happy to help bridge Netherlands's knowledge in progressive emission reductions to Singapore.

NEA officers in discussion with the Professor

Prof Verkooijen presented a lecture on Dutch's electricity market success in carbon reductions at SEI's Professional Sharing Series (PSS) Platform which saw overwhelming response. He also shared key success factors on developing effective roadmaps to help countries weaned off heavy reliance on fossil-based fuels to transit towards low-carbon economy. After his lecture, SEI, together with officers from other NEA depts engaged the professor in in-depth discussions on Europe's situation and glean new technological advances from his part of the world, which we could adapt to Singapore's context. Although the insightful discussion had to end as the Professor had another appointment, doors were opened for mutual exchanges and collaborative efforts to help grow Singapore's environmental capacity to address climate challenges.

Last updated on 15 Jun 09