A Singapore Government Agency WebsiteHow to identify

Official website links end with .gov.sg

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites
(e.g. go.gov.sg/open).Trusted websites

Secure websites use HTTPS

Look for a lock ( )or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Our Energy Story

Overview

Discover how the Singapore Energy Story sets the vision towards a net-zero energy future.

Energy Supply

Gain insights into the four switches that power Singapore’s economy and our daily lives.

Energy Demand

Discover ways to enhance energy efficiency and lower your carbon footprint.

Energy Grid

Explore how EMA ensures a reliable and secure energy supply for everyone.

Energy Market Landscape

Learn about the intricacies of Singapore’s energy market structure and operations.

Consumer Information

Electricity

Get tips on buying electricity and protecting your family from electrical hazards.

Gas

Learn about purchasing gas and safeguarding your family against gas hazards.

Solar

Access information on installing solar panels at your home and selling excess electricity to the national grid.

Regulations & Licences

Regulations

Stay up-to-date with the latest regulations, policies and frameworks governing the energy sector.

Licences

Learn about the licences that EMA issues to different stakeholders in the energy sector.

Regulatory Publications

Read about the Codes of Practice and Circulars that EMA publishes to regulate the energy sector.

Partnerships

Calls for Proposal

Collaborate with EMA in co-creating innovative solutions for the energy sector.

Consultations

Give your comments and feedback on EMA’s policies and regulations.

R&D Engagements

Discover how EMA works with stakeholders to catalyse new and innovative digital technologies.

Talent Development

Learn about EMA’s efforts in nurturing talent and cultivate interest in the energy sector.

Welcome to EMA's website. We would love to have your valuable feedback.

Power Players Series: EMA's Director of Energy Technologies on Exploring New Innovations to Achieve Net-zero

20 Sep 2024
Featured Stories 20 Sep 2024

Darryl Chan (pictured extreme left) leads a team of officers in the Energy Technologies department at EMA, seeking new solutions to drive Singapore’s energy transition.

In the race to our net-zero goal by 2050, the path is anything but straightforward. But for our colleague Darryl Chan, the excitement lies in the discovery of new game-changing technologies that could make this goal a reality. As the Director of Energy Technologies at the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Darryl's mission is clear: explore and evaluate the latest innovations that can propel Singapore towards its long-term energy goals.

In this edition of Power Players Series, Darryl sheds light on some of the exciting developments in the energy sector and Singapore’s strategies in capitalising them.

You have been with EMA for more than a decade and have taken on various roles during this period. What are some of the highlights of your career?

I have had the chance to work on a variety of exciting and diverse projects over the years. They range from developing plans to support Singapore’s climate change ambition, forecasting our power needs to using data science to improve decision making.

In my current role at the Energy Technologies Department, I lead efforts in studying clean energy technologies that could help Singapore meet its energy goals.

The true highlight of my career, however, has to be the fact that I have had the privilege of working alongside my #OneEMA teammates. The people I cross paths with at EMA are an inspiring and exceptional group. They are tireless and passionate about bringing in new energy technologies for Singapore’s clean energy future.

By leveraging our individual talents, I believe we are able to come together as a cohesive unit to meet our common goal. They are the true driving force behind me, and my journey in EMA would never have been as fulfilling without them!

What’s a typical day like for you? 

I usually start my day with a cup of coffee!

In a nutshell, my team looks out for new and emerging technologies that can help Singapore tackle our energy challenges.

We research and travel the world hunting for cutting-edge energy technologies – from geothermal, wind, marine, storage, and even nuclear. While some of the technologies that we encounter are pretty unusual, our focus is always on safety and technical soundness.

Photo of Darryl at the 67th International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference

Attending key industry conferences such as the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference is part of Darryl’s (pictured left) role in staying up-to-date with the latest developments in energy technologies.


To understand how these technologies really work, we need to look "under the hood". We speak to experts across the world like technology developers, scientists, professors and regulators to understand the intricacies, operational challenges and benefits. To ascertain the usefulness of technologies for Singapore, we conduct studies as part of our evaluation. If a technology shows potential, we work with stakeholders including other government agencies to develop policies and regulations to facilitate its deployment here.

Which are the new energy developments or innovations that excite you the most?

For me, every day is a new adventure in the world of emerging energy technologies. And EMA is leaving no stone unturned. While Singapore pushes ahead with our solar deployment and electricity imports, we are also preparing for the longer term by exploring clean fuels like hydrogen and its derivatives.

Looking even further ahead, EMA is studying nascent but promising technology pathways like next-generation geothermal systems and newer classes of nuclear technologies.

Darryl (pictured in light blue jumpsuit) and his team go on study trips, such as the one to Eavor’s advanced geothermal system project in Geretsried, Germany to learn more about the technologies that EMA is exploring.

In fact, we are currently conducting a nationwide non-invasive survey to explore the potential of geothermal energy in Singapore. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely on shallow underground reservoirs of hot water or steam, we are tapping heat from hot dry rocks found much deeper underground. If the results are positive – it will offer a domestic source of clean energy for Singapore. As for Sembawang hot spring fans, it is here to stay for recreational use!

Nuclear technologies have also made significant progress and improvements in recent decades, with newer reactors designed to be much safer. Safety remains our top priority and we are exploring whether advancements in nuclear energy can make it a viable and affordable option to meet Singapore’s energy and climate goals.

We will continue to keep tabs on such technology developments should viable options emerge in the future. At the end of the day, we want to put together a basket of new technologies that would give Singapore the energy security and reliability that we need.

What do you think are the key factors in reaching our net-zero goal?

Personally, three essential “ingredients” are crucial for success in any endeavour: curiosity, courage and collaboration.

Curiosity sparks innovation and spurs creativity, keeping our team always on a look out for the next new and interesting technology. Courage enables us to move forward – it drives us to embrace change and achieve progress. It also motivates us to take calculated steps to invest time, money and effort in studying and potentially test-bedding new technologies in Singapore. Finally, collaboration with different stakeholders strengthens our resolve in navigating the uncertainties of the energy transition, allowing us to co-create new solutions that meet Singapore’s unique context.

When combined, these form a strong foundation for our efforts to meet our net-zero ambitions.

We will be celebrating Zero Emissions Day on 21 September. What are your hopes for Singapore’s energy future?

To achieve our net-zero ambition, the journey will certainly be arduous and uncertain. Therefore, more than ever, we need to act collectively with optimism and determination to be a smart as well as fast adopter of new energy technologies. Let us show the world that a small island nation like Singapore can make a big impact and embrace change.

Together, I am sure we can overcome the challenges of creating a clean energy future for everyone.

AI-generated image of a future Singapore by clean energy sources such as solar, hydrogen and geothermal. For illustration purposes only.

Image generated by Darryl (using WhatsApp’s Meta AI feature) that imagines a future Singapore powered by clean energy sources such as solar, hydrogen and geothermal. For illustration purposes only.


Tags

{{ event }}