About Energy Studies Institute
The Energy Studies Institute (ESI) seeks to advance the understanding of energy issues
by conducting independent research and analyses.
HIGHLIGHTS
Visit by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, Thailand
A ten-member delegation from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), Thailand, led by Assoc. Prof. Suphat Suphachalasai, Commissioner of NBTC, visited ESI on 4 December 2025. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for collaboration in developing CGE models to assess the potential effects of energy and climate policies on the telecommunications sector in Thailand. Mr. Ian Loo, Senior Manager at ESI, introduced the ESI’s history and research areas, and Dr Joydeep Ghosh, Research Fellow, ESI, made a presentation on energy-economy modelling using CGE models. The NBTC delegation shared their CGE model development status and some challenges. ESI and NBTC hoped for further collaboration, including exchanging ideas for the sector-specific CGE modelling and organising a joint seminar.
Visit by the Hungarian Climate Policy Institute
On 4 December 2025, the NUS Energy Studies Institute (ESI) hosted a delegation from the Hungarian Climate Policy Institute (CPI), led by Mr. Gergely Kitta, Head of Institutes and Head of Strategy and Communication at CPI. The seven-member delegation, which also included the executive director, the head of secretariat, and researchers, represents an institute founded by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC). Mr. Kitta highlighted that both MCC and CPI are committed to empowering young people to realise their full potential through education.
ESI Workshop on Natural Gas: Gas Market Dynamics, Uncertainties, and the Changing Landscape
On 3–4 December, ESI hosted a closed-door workshop at the Hotel Grand Copthorne Waterfront on Gas Market Dynamics, Uncertainties, and the Changing Landscape, bringing together speakers and participants from Singapore and abroad to explore the evolving market landscape, risks, and uncertainties shaping international gas markets. The workshop explored how global and regional gas markets are navigating volatility amid ongoing market restructurings. Key topics included energy security and demand-supply trajectories, as well as international market trends, environmental implications, and geopolitical risks. The participants also discussed growing uncertainties around evolving regulations, challenges in the natural gas market, and the role of natural gas in the ongoing energy transition.
Hydrogen Economy: Current Landscape, Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward
On 25–26 November, ESI hosted a closed-door workshop at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel on “Hydrogen Economy: Current Landscape, Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward”, bringing together 32 participants from Singapore and abroad. The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of the global hydrogen landscape and to identify the key actions required to move it forward.
Decarbonisation Policies Around the World: Lessons, Gaps, and Opportunities
On November 13–14th, ESI hosted a closed-door research workshop at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel on “Decarbonisation Policies Around the World: Lessons, Gaps, and Opportunities”, bringing together 23 participants from Singapore and abroad. In line with the workshop’s goal of navigating an increasingly complex and fast-shifting global decarbonisation landscape, speakers presented country case studies, regional comparisons, sector-specific transition challenges, and emerging governance innovations across the energy, industry, finance, and trade domains.
The AI-Energy Nexus Unpacked: Expert Dialogues at SIEW Roundtable 2025
ESI co-hosted a roundtable with the Energy Market Authority of Singapore during Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2025, titled “The AI-Energy Nexus: Transforming the Transition to Low-Carbon Power,” on 31 October 2025. The opening presentation was delivered by Mary Burce Warlick (IEA) and Dr. Naoko Doi (IEEJ). With the growing concern of data centre growth on local grids, continued improvement in power usage effectiveness through advanced cooling, ICT efficiency, and algorithm optimisation could reduce electricity demand by 20% by 2035. On the other side, AI adoption in energy systems could save 2–5% compared to advanced technology scenarios.
Guest Lecture by Commissioner of the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
On 30 October 2025, the ESI and NUS Sustainable Futures co-hosted a guest lecture by Ms. Judy W. Chang, Commissioner of the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Commissioner Chang began her talk by introducing FERC’s key functions and identified the current challenges facing FERC: meeting load growth – particularly driven by data centers, managing higher electricity costs due to increases in the costs of new supplies and transmission, and reforming planning and interconnection processes to enable supply adequacy. She then outlined the US FERC’s approach to ensuring supply and transmission adequacy in response to these challenges and emphasized the importance of system reliability, having transparent rules, allowing for regional flexibility, and collaboration across stakeholders in the energy sector. During the subsequent Q&A session, she and participants discussed the energy efficiency in the data centers, the application of AI in power systems and grid management, and the management of uncertainty from a regulatory perspective.
Visit by Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
On 29 October 2025, Ms. Lin Yang, Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and Mr. Matthew Wittenstein, Chief of the Energy Connectivity Section, Energy Division at the UNESCAP, visited the ESI.