Joint Ministerial Statement on the Inaugural Australia-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue on Energy

Issued by:

• The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy
• Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry)

1. Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, and Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), Dr Tan See Leng, co-chaired the inaugural Australia-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue on Energy in Sydney on 28 July 2026.
2. Building on the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0 and the Joint Statement on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies of 10 April 2026 by the Prime Ministers of Australia and Singapore, both Ministers reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Australia and Singapore in energy matters.
3. Both Ministers recognised the important role each country plays in the other’s energy security. Singapore is Australia’s largest supplier of refined petroleum products, while Australia is one of Singapore’s key suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Both Ministers also welcomed the growing breadth of bilateral cooperation in new areas, such as cross-border electricity trade, low-emissions technologies and carbon capture and storage.
4. Against the backdrop of an uncertain global environment, the Ministers reaffirmed the importance of strengthening energy security and resilience across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. They also reiterated their commitment to uphold obligations under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure safe and unimpeded maritime trade and transit, and the safety of seafarers and ships in support of regional economic stability and energy security.
5. Both Ministers recognised the important role of renewable energy, electrification, enabling infrastructure and investment in the transition to net zero, and discussed opportunities to deepen practical Australia-Singapore cooperation in the following areas:
   1. Energy security: Both Ministers exchanged views on domestic and regional energy policy developments, including efforts to enhance energy security, strengthen supply chain resilience, and advance electrification. Singapore welcomed Australia’s commitment to remaining a reliable supplier of LNG to Singapore, and acknowledged the intentions for Australia’s domestic gas reservation policy. They noted that Singapore GasCo intends to invite proposals for contractable LNG supply from reliable providers to Singapore, from sources including Australia.
   2. Low-carbon fuels: Both Ministers also discussed the importance of low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia and sustainable biofuels for future decarbonisation across sectors. They noted practical work conducted under the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement to support energy security as well as the progress of the Australia-Singapore Low Emissions Technology (ASLET) Initiative launched in 2024.
   3. Cross-border carbon capture and storage (CCS): The Ministers agreed to continue advancing discussions in this area towards a legally-binding bilateral instrument, with the aim of concluding negotiations by year-end.
   4. Cross-Border Electricity Trade (CBET): The Ministers welcomed continued cooperation under the Australia-Singapore CBET Framework, in support of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). They reaffirmed the importance of transparent and predictable regulatory and governance frameworks, including for cross-border subsea power cable activities, to facilitate CBET. They welcomed the APG Financing Initiative and Australia’s support through the Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) in supporting the region’s energy transition.
   5. International cooperation opportunities: Both Ministers welcomed Australia’s longstanding partnership with ASEAN and looked forward to deepening cooperation through ASEAN on energy security and energy transition. They also welcomed the work of the Singapore-based International Energy Agency (IEA) Regional Cooperation Centre. The Ministers also discussed the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW); recognised the importance of Australia’s role as COP31 President of Negotiations, and Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027 to the Asia-Pacific region; and agreed to work closely together to advance ambitious and practical outcomes on energy transition and electrification.
6. Both Ministers welcomed the constructive dialogue and agreed to maintain close communication to advance Australia-Singapore energy cooperation.