S'pore pushes its clean energy ambitions to the next phase

Initiatives announced during energy week signal move into implementation stage

- Chin Hui Shan

Despite climate ambitions slowing down around the world, Singapore is pushing ahead with its drive for green energy through partnerships, while building momentum on the Asean power grid.

This was clear from the outcomes of the Singapore International Energy Week, held from Oct 27 to 31. The conference is an annual platform connecting policymakers, industry leaders and experts to share best practices and solutions within the global energy space.

While no major targets were unveiled, the new initiatives announced and agreements signed during the event seemed to signal the country’s move into the next phase of the energy transition: implementation.

In 2022, Singapore announced its commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Its efforts to get there include decarbonising its power sector by importing low-carbon electricity and exploring clean energy solutions.

Many agreements were signed during the conference that will facilitate knowledge exchanges that could help with workforce development — crucial if the fossil fuel-reliant power sector in Singapore is to transition to cleaner sources, including newer technologies.

For example, cooperation agreements were signed between Singapore and two US organisations during the week - with nonprofit research group Battelle Memorial Institute and Idaho National Laboratory - to better understand the feasibility of deploying nuclear energy here.

While Singapore has yet to make a decision on deploying nuclear energy, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng has said that the country is “seriously studying” it and is looking closely at advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors.

Collaborations with organisations that have deep expertise in this energy form can help to narrow gaps in areas such as technical knowledge and talent.

Other discussions were technical in nature — but paved the way to making abstract goals more concrete.