S’pore eyes renewable fuel, nuclear tie-ups in drive for diverse energy mix: Tan See Leng

Singapore must be ready to support all promising pathways, from established technologies to novel options, in its bid to transition its fossil fuel-based energy sector to one that is clean yet affordable, said Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng on Oct 27.

- Chin Hui Shan

To achieve this, the country will be exploring the use of biomethane, touted as “renewable fuel”, to reduce emissions from its power sector, and learning more about nuclear energy from the best minds in the field by inking new partnerships, he said at the opening of the Singapore International Energy Week, an annual energy conference.

The country is already moving to tap as much solar power as it can domestically, and is also working with neighbours to see if renewable energy projects abroad can supply electricity here, Dr Tan said at the event held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

But since the Republic is alternative-energy disadvantaged, it also has to study emerging technologies such as nuclear and carbon capture, if it is to find the “right balance” between climate concerns, energy security and cost-competitiveness, Dr Tan added.

“We must pursue a diversified portfolio of sustainable energy pathways to build the future we envision,” he said. “It is unlikely that any single solution will suffice, just as there is no one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonisation.”

Currently, Singapore relies on natural gas, a type of fossil fuel, for 95 per cent of its electricity generation. The Republic’s power sector contributes 40 per cent of national emissions, as the burning of natural gas releases planet-warming emissions.

To reduce this, Singapore will be exploring biomethane as a low-carbon fuel, Dr Tan said.

Biomethane is also known as renewable gas, and is chemically identical to fossil-derived methane - the main component of natural gas.