Singapore-International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) High-Level Forum

Amidst global tensions, renewable energy continues to demonstrate resilience and growth. The 2026 International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Renewable Capacity Statistics report highlights that global renewable power capacity grew by 692 GW or a 15.5% increase over the past year. IRENA also highlights that renewables continues to maintain their price advantage over fossil fuels, with cost declines driven by technological innovation, competitive supply chains, and economies of scale. With demand growing across transport, industry, buildings, and digital technologies, accelerating the electrification of end-use sectors will be critical to achieving a global electrification rate of 35% by 2035 (IRENA 2026). Additionally, there is an opportunity for the Southeast Asia region to drive green industrialisation by strengthening the manufacturing capabilities of renewable energy technologies and components, as well as through renewables- and sustainable fuels- powered industrial processes. The pathway is clear: scaling renewables,modernising energy infrastructure and greening industries is key to enhancing economic and energy resiliency.

Under the theme “Connecting Investments for an Interconnected Energy Future”, the Singapore-IRENA High-level Forum will focus on how IRENA can enhance accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in Southeast Asia under their Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia (APRESA) initiative – which was first unveiled at SIEW 2025. From enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, to derisking investments and unlocking private capital flows and scaling investments in grids,cross-border infrastructure for regional energy connectivity, and development of local supply chains, the Forum will examine the critical building blocks needed to translate ambition into action.