The energy trilemma is a framework that considers the delicate balance between energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability. In Singapore, where land, resources, and geopolitical factors make energy strategy crucial, addressing this trilemma is an ongoing challenge.
Energy Security in Singapore
Energy security focuses on ensuring a reliable and adequate supply of energy. As a small island nation with limited natural resources, Singapore depends heavily on imported natural gas for electricity generation. To diversify its energy mix, the country has explored solar energy, although solar capacity is constrained by limited land area and cloud cover. Singapore’s push to become a hub for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is part of its strategy to enhance energy resilience.
However, Singapore’s ambition to improve energy security is tightly linked to global energy markets, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. This reliance has sparked interest in alternative technologies, such as green hydrogen and waste-to-energy solutions, which could play pivotal roles in reducing dependence on imported energy.
Energy Equity
Energy equity ensures that energy is accessible and affordable to all. In Singapore, the government’s focus on equity is reflected in its efforts to keep energy prices stable and ensure that essential services remain accessible to households and industries alike. Programs like U-Save rebates help lower-income households manage energy costs.
However, balancing equity with sustainability is an ongoing challenge. As Singapore moves towards a greener energy future, the potential costs associated with cleaner energy sources could affect energy affordability. Policies need to carefully navigate the potential cost burdens on businesses and consumers, ensuring a just transition without disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations.
Environmental Sustainability
Singapore is committed to reducing its carbon footprint as part of its overall sustainability goals. Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, which convert municipal waste into electricity, contribute significantly to Singapore’s clean energy mix, reducing landfill waste and generating power. WTE technologies fit within the broader sustainability strategy outlined in the "Singapore Energy Story" slide deck, which emphasizes the country's long-term vision of becoming a low-carbon economy.
Additionally, Singapore has made strides in enhancing energy efficiency across sectors, improving building design standards, and deploying smart grid technologies to manage energy consumption more effectively. Nevertheless, the path toward sustainability involves tough decisions about energy-intensive industries and how they can be decarbonized without sacrificing economic growth.
Singapore’s Approach to the Energy Trilemma
Singapore’s journey through the energy trilemma underscores the country’s proactive approach to balancing security, equity, and sustainability. Through investments in innovative technologies and a commitment to energy diversification, the government aims to keep Singapore competitive in the global energy landscape while ensuring a sustainable and equitable energy future.
For further reading and insights, you can explore the following links:
EMS System Features Overview - YouTube Video
Power System Control Centre Overview - YouTube Video
Summary: Power System Control Centre is the nerve centre that monitors electricity transmission in real-time. EMS is the brain that receives and transmits data to energy storage system (ESS), power plants, substations, solar photovoltaic systems that affect electricity transmission to consumers.
Work areas:
Electricity generation: monitors power stations are operating on schedule.
Electricity transmission: monitors electricity demand and controls voltages to meet consumers’ needs.
Gas operations: monitors transmission of natural gas.
Electricity market: ensures stakeholders such as power generation companies are informed of power system conditions.
New EMS features:
Forecasting solar irradiance by anticipating solar output ahead of time to keep the power system stable.
Monitoring and controlling electricity generation by sending signals to charge and discharge ESS.
Cybersecurity enhancements to strengthen against cyber attacks.
Intelligent alarm and monitoring features to make better decisions and minimise downtime.
The Future of Energy Series is a series produced by EMA to help the public understand what the four switches are for Singapore to achieve a more sustainable energy in the future. We can watch the three-episode series on YouTube here or at your own time.
These resources provide a deeper dive into waste-to-energy solutions, an integral part of Singapore’s energy strategy.
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