Singapore to adopt smart energy

Uncertainty in global energy landscape

 Industry's International Advisory Panel on Energy (IAP) was optimistic about new energy-related technologies, including advanced biofuels, carbon-capture, energy storage, and waterenergy solutions. However, the challenge with the potentially higher cost of energy resources in the future was delivering them on a commercial scale. Though there were emerging success stories, such as "hydraulic fracturing" technology to extract natural gas from shale. 

Diversification in national energy

Fossil fuels would remain a dominant fuel source in the foreseeable future. Singapore's switch to natural gas for power generation was timely, with relatively abundant gas resources globally arising from new sources of unconventional gas being developed. Gas also has relatively low carbon emissions and low capital cost. The IAP endorsed Singapore's investment in LNG infrastructure which would allow us to capitalise on opportunities in dynamic and growing Asian gas markets. 

The IAP further supported Singapore's plans to diversify its energy portfolio by fuel type and geographical source. Solar energy remained a promising potentially growing source of renewable energy as the cost of solar photovoltaic systems continued to decline.

Preserve optionality for nuclear energy
Singapore should be open to of nuclear energy, in view of the increasing interest in nuclear energy globally and the new technologies being researched and developed. There was value for Singapore to wait for next-generation nuclear technologies to evolve. The emerging developments in areas such as fuel types, siting options, safety and waste management could yield significant benefits compared to current technologies.

To preserve optionality, it was important for Singapore to develop scientific and technological expertise in nuclear energy. This would allow Singapore to make an informed and intelligent assessment of developments in nuclear technology. It is import to develop a strong safety culture as an early step for any country considering nuclear energy.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency was an important strategy to alleviate rising energy demand, reduce carbon emissions, and save costs. IAP suggested that the pursuit of energy efficiency required systemwide changes to processes and a coordinated combination of appropriate price signals, application of new technologies, and behavioural change.

System approach

The continued upgrading of Singapore's already reliable electricity grid would provide flexibility in its energy diversification strategy. The development of a smart grid could help effectively integrate renewable energy sources like solar energy and underpin applications that could achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency. It was agreed that info-communications technology was a key part of these new innovations and Singapore was well positioned to be a leader to develop solutions for "smart cities." There is a need to identify those aspects of smart grid technology that are appropriate for Singapore. They supported Singapore's approach in rolling out a smart grid pilot to identify the needs of Singaporean consumers and to ensure smooth implementation.

Singapore as a smart energy economy

Mr. S Iswaran, senior minister of State for Trade & Industry and Education, said, "While Singapore's short term energy needs are well met, we need to prepare for the longer term uncertainties in the global energy landscape. We are in a good position to do so with the right elements, including a strong technological base and skilled human capital, to adopt, and even develop, the nexAir Max 95 20th Anniversary Flyknit