Singapore and New Zealand have signed an arrangement regarding cooperation on low-carbon hydrogen on July 15.
The agreement was signed by Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng and New Zealand’s Minister for Energy and Resources Megan Woods in a virtual ceremony.
The arrangement is expected to foster closer cooperation between Singapore and New Zealand by facilitating opportunities to chart standards and certifications and scale up the countries’ respective hydrogen economies, establish supply chains for low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives, conduct joint research, development and deployment studies (RD&D), and strengthen networks and partnerships.
It will also help Singapore build an international network for low-carbon hydrogen cooperation and strengthen our hub capabilities within the global low-carbon hydrogen value chain.
According to a press release by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), the technologies will support Singapore's efforts towards its climate commitments, as set out in the enhanced 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution and Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy, and the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
See also: Singapore expects to reduce Covid-19 measures as country approaches 50% full vaccination: MTF
To date, Singapore has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australia on low-emissions technologies, and an MOU with Chile on low-carbon hydrogen.
“This arrangement regarding cooperation on low-carbon hydrogen is a key milestone in our bilateral energy cooperation, that will further strengthen the relationship between Singapore and New Zealand. It will also play a critical role in helping us to decarbonise our economies and contribute towards our ongoing energy transition efforts, as we build a low-carbon future together,” says Tan.
Woods says the arrangement marks the start of a journey between the two countries to collaborate on the production, deployment and research into a new hydrogen economy. “Sharing knowledge about hydrogen, both from its use and deployment through small demonstration projects up to large scale construction, will assist both countries to transform our respective energy and transport sectors. Cooperation around the research and development of new hydrogen technologies will also be of immense benefit,” she says.
Singapore and New Zealand have established partnerships across multiple areas, including the Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership (EP) agreement, and key economic agreements such as the Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership (ANZSCEP).
In 2020, the countries collaborated on several Covid-19 initiatives, such as the Joint Ministerial Statement on Supply Chain Connectivity, the Declaration on Trade in Essential Goods and the Singapore-New Zealand Airfreight Project.
In January, New Zealand, Singapore and Chile also welcomed the entry into force of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.
Photo: Bloomberg
