Singaporeans have a part to play in transition

21 Dec 2021

We thank Mr Dominic Siew for his feedback and suggestions (Help Singaporeans feel they have a stake in nation’s green energy goal, Dec 11).

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) provides updates on Singapore’s energy developments such as growth in solar capacity and energy fuel mix, including the use of renewable energy, in the Singapore Energy Statistics annual publication (www.ema.gov.sg/singapore-energy-statistics).

From 2015 to 2020, the total installed solar capacity has increased by seven times. Over the same period, Singapore’s grid emissions factor – which measures the average carbon intensity of electricity generation – has fallen. Members of the public may also visit www.beyondthecurrent.gov.sg to learn more about Singapore’s transition to greater energy sustainability and energy saving tips.

We agree that Singaporeans have a key part to play in our transition towards a more sustainable energy future. EMA engages our stakeholders through various initiatives.

Most recently, we launched the Energy Story Exhibition together with Science Centre Singapore and SP Group. The exhibition aims to raise public awareness of Singapore’s journey in overcoming its energy challenges, the move towards energy sustainability, and the importance of saving energy.

Singaporeans can do their part to conserve energy. Advanced electricity meters will be installed in all households and businesses by 2024, which will let consumers better understand their own energy consumption and change behaviour. Households can also use vouchers to offset the cost of purchasing energy-efficient appliances under the Climate Friendly Households Programme.

Additionally, annual events such as the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) (including Youth@SIEW) and Energy Innovation continue to play a part in sparking interest, fostering knowledge exchange, generating insights and promoting collaborations on energy-related developments amongst the local and international communities. Recordings of these events are available online.

EMA has collaborated with the Ministry of Education to develop educational resources showcasing energy concepts aligned with secondary school and pre-university science and humanities curricula. We also welcomed our second batch of student energy ambassadors at SIEW this year, who have been active youth advocates on energy-related issues.

EMA will continue to work with industry, academia, and the public to co-create and develop a vibrant energy landscape.

Ralph Foong
Deputy Chief Executive
Energy Planning and Development Division
Energy Market Authority

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Help Singaporeans feel they have a stake in nation's green energy goal (11 Dec 2021)
By: Dominic Siew

The Government has taken aggressive measures in adopting solar energy in recent years.

Since 2015, Singapore's solar capacity has grown more than six times. The country plans to produce 2 gigawatt-peak of solar energy by 2030.

Solar panels have been extensively deployed on the roofs of Housing Board blocks and there is a large-scale floating solar farm in Tengeh Reservoir.

While this progress made is commendable, more must be done in pursuing Singapore's long-term targets.

The 2030 solar capacity target covers only 4 per cent of Singapore's total electricity demand today.

I have two suggestions.

First, there should be explicit and robust energy reports and targets to inform Singaporeans of the nation's green energy progress.

The current way in which the Energy Market Authority (EMA) reports Singapore's energy consumption revolves around the nation's electricity and natural gas consumption. It does not show how much renewable energy is produced or how this renewable energy is used.

The EMA should keep Singaporeans updated on the progress that the country is making towards the green energy targets it has set.

This would give us clarity on the progress that is being made, which would encourage more Singaporeans to take ownership of the country's energy goals.

Second, Singaporeans need to be included in the conversation on energy.

While there exist programmes such as Youth@Siew, an event under the Singapore International Energy Week that seeks to engage young people on issues related to energy, they are often niche and inaccessible.

More programmes aimed at building energy literacy and interest are necessary to convince Singaporeans that they have a stake in the country's green energy landscape. Increased participation could bring about a more innovative approach to energy challenges.

Reaching carbon neutrality is an arduous task given Singapore's lack of natural resources.

However, a calculated and participatory approach can make this a reality.