The Crucial Role of Technology on the Path to Net Zero
Digital advancements are vital in advancing Singapore's multi-pronged strategy towards decarbonisation and a net zero future. Wong Dai Yuan and Samson Shih report.
In his Opening Remarks at the SIEW TechTable on 25 October, Mr Ralph Foong, Deputy Chief Executive, Energy Market Authority, recognised that both Singapore and the international community are stepping up efforts to confront the climate challenge.
He also acknowledged the transformative power of technology, heralding its role as a key enabler that will open up new pathways for the energy transition. "We must now collectively move forward by developing concrete plans to make the transition towards a net zero future. Technology will be a key enabler on this journey."
Mr Foong elaborated on Singapore’s multi-pronged strategy towards decarbonisation, including:
- Maximising the utilisation of indigenous clean energy sources such as solar and geothermal;
- Fostering regional connectivity; and
- Enabling the emergence of new global supply chains, notably in the realm of hydrogen.
He emphasised that technology will serve as the cornerstone on this transformative path.
Maximising the utilisation of clean energy sources
Renewable energy, such as solar and wind, are increasingly integrated into grid systems around the world. However, they present challenges such as intermittency and seasonal availability. These factors can impact grid stability and reliability, demanding innovative solutions. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) emerge as pivotal in facilitating renewable energy deployment at scale.
Towards this end, Mr Foong highlighted Singapore has commissioned the world's largest ESS at 285 megawatt-hours, located on Jurong Island. This is also the world's fastest deployed, a feat accomplished in just six months. He shared that the ESS is designed specifically for tropical and urban settings, and will be used as a model for future ESS deployments.
Supporting large flows of energy across long distances
Regional interconnections are integral to the energy transition, especially for countries like Singapore which are alternative energy constrained.
Mr Foong highlighted that High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technologies are poised to revolutionise regional power grids by connecting locations rich in renewable energy to regions with high energy demand.
He said: "Regional interconnections not only promote the deployment of renewables, but also generate savings of up to $US160 billion through the optimisation of renewable energy resources in the region.”
Enabling emerging energy supply chains
Mr Foong shared that technological advancements are giving rise to new global energy supply chains, notably in the domain of hydrogen. Singapore's National Hydrogen Strategy, unveiled at SIEW 2022, underscores the country's commitment to monitoring technological developments in hydrogen carriers and transportation.
Singapore's investments in hydrogen R&D are poised to contribute to global sustainability efforts. Initiatives, such as the Low Carbon Energy Research Program (LCER) and the Centre for Hydrogen Innovations, focus on energy-efficient ammonia cracking technologies and more cost-effective catalysts for liberating hydrogen from other carrier forms.
A bright future for net zero energy
Mr Foong concluded his Remarks with an overview of three new low carbon energy sources on the horizon. These comprise:
- Deep Geothermal Technologies: Enhanced Geothermal Systems and Advanced Geothermal Systems hold the potential for Singapore to harness deep subsurface heat resources.
- Nuclear Fission: Small Modular Reactors and Generation IV reactors in the field of nuclear fission offer improved safety profiles, making them suitable for deployment in small, densely populated countries.
- Nuclear Fusion: Cooperation across governments, academia, and industry is driving the development of advanced fission technologies, notably in the realm of nuclear fusion.
In essence, Mr Foong’s Opening Remarks at this year’s SIEW TechTable reinforced the pivotal role that technology will continue to play in propelling the energy transition and making the dream of a net zero future an achievable reality.