Environment & climate — Topics

19 Sep 2023

Enforcement Actions against Mosquito Breeding

Melvin Yong asked for the number of mosquito breeding enforcement cases in 2023, the trend compared to the past three years, and whether more NEA officers would be deployed at dengue hotspots.
Grace Fu responded that NEA has taken about 5,200 enforcement actions in 2023, compared to approximately 14,700 in 2020, 11,300 in 2021, and 15,900 in 2022.
NEA has increased inspections and mitigation at dengue hotspots and dynamically deploys resources to close clusters quickly, but community action is also needed to prevent mosquito breeding.

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19 Sep 2023

Likely Effect of El Niño Weather Pattern on Singapore in Coming Year

Gerald Giam asked how El Niño will affect Singapore and what preparations are being made for drier weather, especially concerning water supply from local catchment and imported sources.
Grace Fu explained that El Niño will bring drier and warmer conditions over the next one to two months, lasting until early 2024, with peak warmth expected from March to April 2024.
To safeguard water security, Singapore employs the Four National Taps strategy, diversifying sources so that NEWater and desalinated water remain weather-resilient despite potential impacts on local and imported water.
The Public Utilities Board is investing long-term to enhance drought resilience, and all residents are urged to use water wisely to support sustainability.

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19 Sep 2023

Modifying Combat Aircraft with Fin-lined Nozzles to Reduce Noise Pollution from Overflights

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if the RSAF has researched or will research modifying combat aircraft with fin-lined nozzles to reduce noise pollution from overflights.
Minister Ng Eng Hen responded that no aircraft or engine manufacturers have certified or successfully incorporated fin-lined nozzles into their designs.
The RSAF will continue monitoring the development of this and other technologies for their ability to meet operational needs in a cost-effective way.

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19 Sep 2023

Growing Renewable Energy Adoption to Meet Net-zero Carbon Emissions Pledge

Singapore is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is increasing the supply of low-carbon energy domestically, including maximizing solar deployment and funding research into new solar technologies.
The country targets importing up to 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, with conditional approvals for 3 GW from Cambodia and Indonesia, and is exploring hydrogen, deep geothermal, and carbon sequestration options.
Natural gas will remain a significant transition fuel to balance energy security, sustainability, and cost competitiveness while decarbonizing the power sector.

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19 Sep 2023

Sustainability Audit for Singapore's F1 Grand Prix and Other Events

The Government reported that the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix sustainability audit found 96.1% of emissions from energy use and 3.9% from Scope 3 sources like transport, waste, and water, with similar audits planned for this year’s race.
The race promoter aims to halve energy emissions by 2028 through reducing consumption, using more renewable energy, and switching to lower-carbon fuels, supported by energy-efficient lighting and Renewable Energy Certificates for grid electricity.
For the MICE industry, tracking of waste and carbon emissions began this year under the MICE Sustainability Roadmap, focusing on capability building and emissions reduction strategies.
The government will continue refining plans for both the Grand Prix and MICE sector to manage carbon emissions, with consideration given to including timelines for Scope 3 measurement and interim 2030 targets in future audits.

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19 Sep 2023

Speeding Up Drainage Improvement Works at Bukit Timah Canal between Rifle Range Road and Jalan Kampong Chantek

Christopher de Souza asked if drainage improvement works along Bukit Timah Canal between Rifle Range Road and Jalan Kampong Chantek could be expedited.
The Minister explained that PUB has been upgrading the canal to increase its capacity by 30%, with completion now delayed to 2026 due to coordination with NParks' Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor project to minimize disruption.
PUB has invested $2 billion in drainage improvements over the past decade and allocated $1.4 billion for further works from 2021 to 2025, plus $3 billion for water supply resilience amid climate change.
Interim flood mitigation measures, such as raising a section of Dunearn Road and deepening another stretch of the canal, were completed in 2022 to reduce risks during construction.
The Minister noted that managing flood risks is a collective effort and encouraged the public to use PUB's communication channels for flood warnings, as occasional flash floods are inevitable due to climate change.

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18 Sep 2023

Assessment of Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System Implemented in Bidadari Estate

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin queried HDB's assessment of the pneumatic waste conveyance system in Bidadari, plans to address waste choking and odours from bin centres, and whether HDB would act against vendors to seek reimbursement for Town Council costs.
Desmond Lee stated that the system has made waste collection cleaner and more efficient, but blockages and odours occurred in 2020-2021 due to improper disposal of renovation waste, which was cleared manually.
HDB and Jalan Besar Town Council are educating residents on proper use, washing the bin centre regularly, and the vendor has increased filter replacement frequency, leading to improved conditions.
Town Councils, not HDB, manage and maintain the PWCS under vendor agreements and should seek reimbursement directly from their appointed vendor for any extraordinary costs.

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18 Sep 2023

Ensuring Non-native Species of Birds in Choa Chu Kang Do Not Adversely Affect Native Biodiversity and Habitats in Long Term

NParks adopts a science- and community-based approach to manage non-native bird populations, including red-breasted parakeets in Choa Chu Kang, by disrupting roosting sites through tree pruning and, where necessary, directly controlling populations by trapping and removing congregations.
NParks raises public awareness about the ecological impact of non-native species and enforces laws that penalize illegal animal releases, with fines up to $50,000 under the Parks and Trees Act and up to $5,000 under the Wildlife Act.
NParks will continue monitoring and managing non-native species and deterring their further introduction to safeguard native biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the long term.

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18 Sep 2023

Anticipated Energy Savings from Each LTA Green Initiative and Cost-benefit Evaluation

Ms He Ting Ru asked for anticipated energy savings and cost-benefit evaluations of LTA’s green initiatives, including turning off escalators at night and lights on covered walkways, considering convenience and safety for vulnerable groups.
Chee Hong Tat, on behalf of the Minister, stated that LTA is committed to reducing carbon emissions and ensures energy-saving measures minimize impact on commuters and prioritize safety.
For escalator turn-offs, trials are only conducted at stations with alternative escalators or lifts; for light turn-offs, they are limited to covered linkways with sufficient street lighting.
The response did not provide specific energy savings figures or detailed cost-benefit evaluations for each initiative.

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18 Sep 2023

Potential of Buying Renewable Energy from India

Dennis Tan asked if the government is exploring a renewable energy purchase agreement with India and what percentage of Singapore’s 2030 electricity demand it could meet.
Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed Singapore and India are collaborating on energy transition to support net-zero goals while ensuring energy security.
The Energy Market Authority has received proposals, including from India, to import low-carbon electricity and has awarded Conditional Approvals for up to 3 GW.
More proposals are being evaluated, with further approvals possible if they meet Singapore’s requirements.
The focus is on importing up to 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, which could support Singapore’s 2030 targets.

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18 Sep 2023

Ensuring Grid Reliability with Increasing Electricity Demand and Retiring of Older Power Generation Plants

The Minister confirmed that the current reserve margin exceeds the 27% requirement but may decline with rising demand, with sufficient generation capacity planned to meet the reserve margin.
The Energy Market Authority has launched a Centralised Process for new generation capacity, starting with a Request for Proposal in 2023 for needs in 2028, balancing grid reliability and avoiding overcapacity.
To address potential delays, the EMA is coordinating with generation companies on measures like temporary generation units and reviewing the retirement of older plants.
The government remains committed to decarbonising the power sector by 2050 through solar expansion, low-carbon electricity imports, and exploring alternatives like hydrogen, while introducing emission standards by end-2023.
Consideration of extending older plants is a contingency to ensure grid reliability, but it is managed alongside decarbonisation plans to minimize environmental risks.

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3 Aug 2023

Plans to Phase Out Use of Coal in Energy Production

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about plans to phase out coal in Singapore’s energy production, especially with the new hydrogen-ready Keppel Sakra Cogen Plant nearing completion.
Coal currently accounts for only about 1% of Singapore’s power capacity, used primarily at the Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex (TMUC), which employs low-ash, low-sulphur clean coal and biomass to lower emissions.
The government has no plans to build new coal-powered plants, but the timeline for phasing out coal depends on TMUC’s asset life and the availability of viable alternatives for its industrial clients.
Efforts are underway with companies to explore bringing forward the coal phase-out timeline and reducing emissions where possible.
The new 600MW hydrogen-ready Keppel Sakra Cogen Plant is expected to help meet rising electricity demand driven by economic growth, digitalisation, and electrification.

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3 Aug 2023

Reasons for Exceptionally Heavy Rainfall on 20 July 2023

The heavy rainfall on 20 July 2023 was caused by intense, widespread thunderstorms, leading to nearly a month's worth of rain in one hour and a localized flash flood at Dunearn Road, which was managed with early warnings and quick response.
Singapore has significantly reduced flood-prone areas through drainage upgrades and ongoing works, including at known hotspots like Dunearn Road, with long-term climate change considerations in planning.
Due to land constraints and climate change, Singapore must accept occasional flash floods and the public is urged to use flood alert channels to stay prepared.

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3 Aug 2023

Jobs in Sustainability or Green Economy Sector and Initiatives to Boost Workforce Capability

There is currently no globally accepted definition of a green economy, but the Green Skills Committee is working to identify and size jobs and skills in this area.
The government has launched training programmes under Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore to help workers upskill for roles like sustainability officers and carbon analysts.
Institutes of Higher Learning offer over 250 sustainability-related courses to equip the workforce with green skills.
The government is collaborating with the Green Skills Committee, industry players, and training providers to expand workforce development efforts.
The Ministry did not provide specific current or projected job numbers, indicating that the exact magnitude of growth is still being assessed.

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3 Aug 2023

Review of Oil and Gas Industry's Presence in Singapore

Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted that the Energy and Chemicals sector contributes over S$90 billion to manufacturing output and employs more than 25,000 workers, with the government regularly reviewing strategies to align with Singapore’s net-zero target for 2050.
The government closely monitors sector developments and works with stakeholders to address challenges, though no specific recent review of the oil and gas industry’s presence was explicitly mentioned.
Potential impacts of a key company exit, such as Shell, on suppliers and ancillary services were acknowledged as a concern, but detailed mitigation plans were not outlined in the response.

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3 Aug 2023

Public Utilities (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces mandatory water recycling requirements for new water-intensive projects in the wafer fabrication, electronics, and biomedical industries to manage growing water demand, with targeted recycling rates and enhanced funding support for companies.
It imposes charges on large private water suppliers, such as private desalination plants and large rainwater harvesters, to align their treatment with public water pricing and ensure sustainable growth, with phased implementation starting in 2025.
The Bill also enhances PUB’s operational powers, including cost recovery for emergency works, requirements for diversion plans, and updated service rules to promote digitalisation, all aimed at safeguarding Singapore’s water security.

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3 Aug 2023

Environmental Impact of Relocation and Redevelopment of Paya Lebar Airbase

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised questions about environmental studies and mitigation measures for the Paya Lebar Airbase redevelopment, as well as plans to retain green spaces along Sungei Serangoon to support biodiversity and migratory birds.
Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How responded that environmental impact assessments will be conducted if needed before redevelopment starts in the 2030s, and that existing park connectors and green spaces along Sungei Serangoon are safeguarded, with potential extensions under consideration.
Dennis Tan urged the government to realign and expand green spaces in the next masterplan review to address the lack of significant green areas in northeast Singapore and mitigate heat impact from the new HDB estate.
Tan Kiat How explained that the Paya Lebar redevelopment is in early conceptual stages, with detailed planning and consultations to follow, and confirmed that the eastern bank of Sungei Serangoon is currently zoned for industrial use with no immediate redevelopment plans.

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3 Aug 2023

Safety of Seafood Imports Following Release of Treated Wastewater from Fukushima Nuclear Plant

The Ministry and Singapore Food Agency are maintaining a science-based, risk-focused approach to radiation surveillance and food safety, with strict testing for imports including those from Japan, and will not allow any products that fail inspections to be sold.
The National Environment Agency assesses that the treated wastewater release from Fukushima is unlikely to affect Singapore’s surrounding waters, with local radiation levels remaining within natural background norms as part of ongoing environmental monitoring.
Authorities will continue close monitoring, rely on international expertise such as from the IAEA, and adjust measures like increasing monitoring frequency or making radiation data public if deemed necessary for public interest.

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2 Aug 2023

Objective Criteria and Standards Used by NParks in Deciding Necessity for Environmental Impact Assessment

NParks requires an in-depth consultation with technical agencies for projects in or near sensitive areas like nature reserves and marine zones, and mandates an environmental study if the potential impact is assessed as significant based on project specifics and ecological factors.
The assessment considers development details, construction methods, and ecological factors such as habitat types, biodiversity, and connectivity to determine if an environmental impact study is needed.
The approach is continuously reviewed and updated using evolving scientific knowledge, such as insights from NParks' island-wide Ecological Profiling Exercise on Singapore’s ecosystem and connectivity.

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2 Aug 2023

Study on Particulate Pollution from Growth of Electric Vehicle Population

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment to consider a study on particulate pollution from vehicle tyres and brakes, particularly due to the growing number of heavier electric vehicles, and to identify steps to reduce such pollution.
Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged that particulate matter is generated by vehicle tyres and brakes, including electric vehicles which are heavier and cause more tyre wear, and said the issue is being tracked closely.
She added that the National Environment Agency has invited research proposals on particulate matter from tyres and brakes under the Air Quality Monitoring and Control Funding Initiative to improve understanding and guide future steps.
The approach includes monitoring international developments in research and regulation to inform potential actions in Singapore.
The government is using research funding initiatives to gather data and references before deciding on specific measures to address the pollution.

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