The energy sector is experiencing a significant transformation, shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources. Global greenhouse gas emissions are causing changes in the world’s climate.
Singapore is addressing challenges such as climate change, energy security, and rising costs. Over the past 50 years, the country has transitioned from oil to natural gas for cleaner power generation. Solar energy usage has also increased, especially on rooftops and reservoirs.
Climate change is altering how energy is used and produced. As demand for energy is expected to rise with economic development, Singapore’s energy sector must evolve to achieve a clean and efficient future.
Although Singapore only contributes 0.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the nation faces challenges due to limited land and resources. Deploying renewable energy sources like solar and wind is challenging but necessary.
Efforts are being made to implement carbon market rules, enhance emissions reporting, and engage in climate action and international discussions to reduce transport emissions.
In the coming decades, the power industry’s transformation will impact consumers’ daily lives in various ways. Initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030 aim to promote electric vehicle usage with the installation of 60,000 charging points by the end of the decade.
However, high prices and limited charging stations may delay widespread adoption of EVs. Additionally, the availability of electric car models in Singapore is limited and comes at a high cost.
Many moving parts
To combat climate change, Singapore must focus on harnessing solar and low-carbon energy sources. Petroleum products currently account for 60 percent of primary energy consumption in the country.
By 2030, Singapore aims to generate at least two gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar energy, equivalent to powering 350,000 households for a year. Most solar PV deployments will occur on housing buildings, canopies, car parks, commercial centers, and floating solar PV parks due to limited open land.
Improving energy efficiency is crucial to Singapore’s sustainability efforts. The installation of advanced electricity meters for all households by 2024 will enable consumers to monitor their energy usage via a mobile app.
Singapore’s approach to alternative energy
Singapore is investing in research and development to enhance solar PV system performance and integrate them into the urban environment. Solar panels are being installed on high-rise public housing rooftops, and floating PV projects are being piloted on water surfaces at reservoirs.
To ensure energy security, Singapore is exploring regional power grids, low-carbon hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage as alternatives. The city-state aims to access cleaner energy from neighboring countries and diversify energy sources.
Searching for predictability
Renewable energy variability and stringent environmental requirements necessitate the intelligent use of data. Data analytics help utilities predict failures, allocate budgets for new projects, and understand supply and demand dynamics.
As the power industry becomes greener, smarter data usage is essential. Hitachi Energy is collaborating with Nanyang Technological University and Singapore’s Energy Research Institute to develop a project involving battery energy storage and smart controls for a virtual power plant.
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