PAPERCUTSAlignment of New Coal Gasification Plant on Jurong Island with Singapore's Climate Change Commitments
- Mr Lim Hng Kiang explained that Singapore’s Paris Agreement commitments are based on reducing emissions intensity, not absolute emissions, and that the coal gasification plant will use best-in-class mitigation technologies, be subject to carbon tax, and its emissions will be closely monitored to align with climate goals.
- The government justified the plant as necessary to provide competitive feedstock for the energy and chemicals sector, which contributes to GDP and employment, while balancing environmental concerns through strict regulations on emissions and ash disposal.
- In response to concerns about ash disposal, Mr Lim stated that the company has committed to recycling the ash under strict conditions set by MEWR to avoid adding to dumping requirements.
- Mr Lim clarified that the project is not an energy generation plant but a feedstock producer for the petrochemical sector, and Singapore’s energy mix remains dependent on natural gas and limited solar energy, not coal.
- The minister acknowledged the delicate balance between maintaining industrial competitiveness and meeting climate commitments, emphasizing that gasification was chosen after evaluating alternatives to meet industry needs sustainably.