Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2023.
Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what measures are being implemented to improve sustainability efforts and reduce the carbon footprint in the industrial sector specifically.
Singapore has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and has put in place various measures to achieve this target.
We are decarbonising our energy sources progressively, starting with greater use of locally generated solar power. We also aim to achieve four gigawatts of imported electricity by 2035 and diversify to new sources of green energy like hydrogen.
We launched our National Hydrogen Strategy in October last year. The strategy outlined the steps we will take to develop low-carbon hydrogen as a decarbonisation pathway for Singapore. This includes manufacturing sectors where hydrogen can potentially serve as either a low-carbon feedstock or fuel to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial activities.
At the sectoral level, the economic agencies are working closely with emissions-intensive industries to restructure their activities towards greater sustainability. As part of Sustainable Jurong Island, the Economic Development Board (EDB) is working with the Energy and Chemicals sector to increase the production of sustainable products, such as high-value specialty chemicals and materials and bio-based fuels and chemicals. We are also collaborating on system-wide solutions like increased renewable deployment and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
At the enterprise level, the Government has introduced schemes, such as the Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions (REG(E)) and Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F) to help companies become more energy efficient. Under the Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP), we also provide capability development and funding support for companies to develop their sustainability strategies.
The Government will continue to work closely with and support the industry in the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
PAPERCUTS