Environment & climate — Topics

9 Nov 2022

Technological and Engineering Advances Utilised to Tackle Rising Sea Levels

The government is leveraging science, technology, and engineering to strengthen Singapore’s coastal and flood resilience, including developing the Coastal-Inland Flood Model with NUS and the Hydroinformatics Institute.
Innovative engineering solutions such as underground detention tanks, multifunctional structures like Marina Barrage, and pilot projects like polder development at Pulau Tekong are being used to address land constraints and flood risks.
PUB employs radar technology and a network of over 1,000 water level sensors and 400 CCTVs to predict and monitor floods, enabling advance warnings to the public.
The government is trialing various coastal protection measures, including customised modular blocks and coastal barriers for Singapore’s southwestern coastline, while integrating flood management planning.
The response to climate change also involves community partnerships, such as working with building owners on flood protection and equipping the public with weather alerts for daily adjustments.

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9 Nov 2022

Electricity Power Generation Capacity

Installed electricity generation capacity decreased from 13.5 GW in 2018 to 11.8 GW in 2022 due to retirements, but remains above current peak demand of 7.8 GW, with a reserve margin of around 50% exceeding the required 27%.
Capacity is projected to remain stable before new units come online from 2025, with the reserve margin expected to tighten but still meet the 27% requirement even if upper-bound demand is reached.
The Energy Market Authority is encouraging new investments, such as Keppel’s 600-MW gas turbine plant, and will use competitive tenders to guide private sector investments in advance; it will build capacity directly if private interest is insufficient.

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9 Nov 2022

Budgeting for Infrastructure to Cope with Rising Sea Levels and Climate Change

Christopher de Souza asked how the national Budget is planned to build infrastructure for rising sea levels and climate change.
Lawrence Wong stated that climate adaptation is a long-term effort with estimated costs exceeding $100 billion over 100 years, requiring a combination of funding methods.
Funding will include the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, annual Budget allocations, and potential borrowing like green bonds, with land reclamation costs drawn from past reserves.
The government will refine financing options as it gains better understanding of climate impacts and protection measures.

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9 Nov 2022

Financial Impact on Businesses Given New Target to Reach Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

Yip Hon Weng questioned the financial impact on businesses from Singapore’s net-zero target and the government’s support for costs.
Gan Kim Yong referred to prior replies on November 7, 2022, noting that the question had already been addressed.
The response points to official reports on supporting green local firms and the Enterprise Sustainability Programme.

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9 Nov 2022

Rollout of Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste in Singapore

The Minister confirmed that studies on chemical recycling in Singapore are ongoing, with NEA analyzing findings from a joint study with Shell and a feasibility study for a pilot Plastic Recovery Facility.
Chemical recycling is seen as a complementary approach to mechanical recycling to handle plastics unsuitable for mechanical methods, like contaminated packaging, and aims to support a circular economy and reduce emissions.
While the government is open to working with stakeholders, acceleration of implementation depends on further analysis of study results, with no immediate timeline provided.

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9 Nov 2022

Safeguards against Volatility of Energy Prices under Revised Electricity Market Structure

The Energy Market Authority will introduce a centralised competitive tender for new generation capacity and institutionalise emergency measures like mandatory fuel reserves to manage volatility and ensure energy security.
Regulatory requirements for electricity retailers will be tightened, and eligibility for wholesale price plans will be restricted to larger consumers better equipped to handle price risks, enhancing market resilience.
The government will balance regulatory costs with affordability, maintaining a largely liberalised and competitive market while implementing safeguards progressively from 2023 to ensure stable electricity supply for residents and businesses.

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9 Nov 2022

Infrastructural Plans for Increased Reliance on Low-carbon Hydrogen Fuel

The government plans a phased approach to adopt low-carbon hydrogen, starting with small-scale projects to build capabilities in importing, storage, distribution, and safe handling.
New infrastructure such as import terminals, storage facilities, and distribution networks will be developed, with a focus on balancing decarbonisation speed and consumer costs.
Singapore aims for hydrogen to supply up to 50% of power needs by 2050, but specific adoption targets and import volumes are yet to be set due to technological and supply chain uncertainties.
The government is working with international partners through MOUs to establish regional hydrogen supply chains, facilitate cross-border movement, and advance certification standards.

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9 Nov 2022

Recycling Rate Targets by Waste Type

The government aims for a national recycling rate of 70% by 2030, with domestic and non-domestic targets of 30% and 81% respectively, focusing on priority waste streams like packaging (including plastics), e-waste, and food waste.
Initiatives to boost plastic recycling include the National Recycling Programme, Mandatory Packaging Reporting, a beverage container return scheme starting mid-2024, and exploring chemical recycling for non-mechanically recyclable plastics.
While overall targets are set, specific waste-type breakdowns are not provided; instead, the government focuses on interconnected initiatives, such as Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, to improve recycling rates across streams like e-waste and packaging.

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8 Nov 2022

Singapore's Target to Peak Emissions at 65 MtCO2e

Ms He Ting Ru asked if Singapore still expects to peak emissions at 65 MtCO2e and when this peak will occur.
Grace Fu Hai Yien directed Ms He Ting Ru to her earlier reply to Prof Koh Lian Pin on 8 November 2022.
The debate centered on the status of Singapore's revised National Determined Contribution for 2030.
The response emphasized that the question had already been addressed in a prior parliamentary session.

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8 Nov 2022

Ways to Meet Greenhouse Gas Emissions Targets While Continuing as International Financial and Economic Hub

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Trade and Industry how Singapore plans to meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets while maintaining its role as an international financial and economic hub.
The Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, directed the query to a prior reply provided on 7 November 2022 regarding support for local green firms and the Enterprise Sustainability Programme.
The referenced response outlines strategies involving the development of green local firms and the uptake of enterprise sustainability initiatives to balance economic growth with climate goals.

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8 Nov 2022

Contamination Rate of Recyclable Waste After Adoption of New Blue Recycling Bins

Hany Soh inquired whether the new blue recycling bins have reduced contamination rates and if collection frequency could be increased in HDB and private properties.
Grace Fu responded that the new bins were primarily introduced to boost capacity and productivity, not specifically to lower contamination, which remains a challenge due to improper disposal of non-recyclable items.
She noted that collection frequency for regular bins in HDB estates has been increased to at least three times weekly, with larger side-loader bins collected weekly, and more frequent collections are being explored for high-recycling areas.
The National Environment Agency has launched the Recycle Right Campaign to educate the public on proper recycling habits to address contamination issues.
Overall, the debate highlighted efforts to improve recycling efficiency and the ongoing need for public education to reduce contamination rates.

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8 Nov 2022

Funding of Tree Pruning Works Aimed at Modifying Habitats of Wild Birds

Town Councils use their operating funds to prune trees in HDB estates to reduce bird roosting habitats, in line with NParks' guidelines on greenery management and addressing bird-related disamenities.
NParks supports Town Councils by sharing best practices, such as advising on tree species less attractive to birds and providing a community-based approach to manage pest bird populations.
The funding for these works falls under Town Councils' responsibilities for maintaining common property, with NParks offering advice but not directly financing the pruning activities.

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8 Nov 2022

Effect of Geopolitical Conflicts, High Inflation and Threat of Global Recession on Singapore Green Plan 2030

Minister Grace Fu affirmed that despite disruptions from the Ukraine war, US-China competition, high inflation, and recession fears, Singapore remains committed to the Green Plan 2030 and is making good progress.
Geopolitical and climate events have intensified the push for renewable energy, prompting Singapore to accelerate solar deployment and source regional renewable electricity to bolster energy security.
The government reported significant growth in solar capacity and electric vehicle adoption, with solar capacity rising to 670 MW-peak and over 10% of new car registrations being electric by September 2022.
While global inflation has increased the cost of green transition capital goods, the Ministry will monitor impacts and collaborate with industry to find solutions.
The Green Plan is designed as a living document that will evolve based on stakeholder engagement, technological advances, and emerging solutions.

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8 Nov 2022

Update on Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project

Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that the flow of electricity from Lao PDR to Singapore under the LTMS-PIP has remained stable since its commencement on 23 June 2022.
From 23 June to 31 October 2022, Singapore imported over 170,000 megawatt hours of electricity from Lao PDR under the project.
The LTMS-PIP has demonstrated the economic and technical feasibility of cross-border electricity trading and supports regional efforts towards the ASEAN Power Grid.
At a ministerial meeting in September 2022, the four countries agreed to further discuss enhancements and future plans for multilateral power trade.
There was no mention of plans to export energy out of Singapore under the LTMS-PIP.

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8 Nov 2022

Details of Discussions on Australia-Asia Power Link's Sun Cable Project

He Ting Ru questioned if there are discussions on the Sun Cable project outside the Energy Market Authority's Request for Proposal (RFP) programme, whether details can be shared, and if the government plans to invest.
Gan Kim Yong stated that all Sun Cable discussions occur under the RFP framework, with the proposal still being assessed and no further details available.
He noted Singapore's goal to import 4 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035 via RFPs, with Sun Cable's proposal for 1.75 gigawatts under consideration.
Gan highlighted that Singapore and Australia are collaborating on cross-border electricity trade, including through the Green Economy Agreement to enhance regional energy connectivity.
The government has not announced any plans to invest in the Sun Cable project.

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8 Nov 2022

Utilisation Rate and Effectiveness of Designated Smoking Points in Reducing Second-hand Smoke

Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the number, utilisation rate, and effectiveness of Designated Smoking Points (DSPs) in reducing second-hand smoke, and whether the government would support funding more DSPs in locations like housing estates.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that DSPs are community-led initiatives, the Ministry does not monitor their number or utilisation rates, and their effectiveness in reducing second-hand smoke or influencing smoking behaviour needs further study.
She noted that DSPs can confine second-hand smoke to avoidable areas but must be carefully sited to avoid normalising smoking or increasing public exposure, and while there are no current plans to fund DSPs, the government remains open to exploring solutions and the NEA provides advice to community groups.

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8 Nov 2022

Carbon Pricing (Amendment) Bill

The Carbon Pricing (Amendment) Bill significantly raises Singapore's carbon tax from $5 to $25 per tonne in 2024-2025 and $45 from 2026, aiming for $50-$80 by 2030 to meet the net-zero by 2050 target, with advance notice given to businesses for transition.
It introduces an industry transition framework with allowances for Emissions-Intensive Trade-Exposed sectors to maintain competitiveness and prevent carbon leakage, and establishes an International Carbon Credits framework allowing companies to offset up to 5% of emissions with high-quality credits, subject to strict environmental standards.
Parliament debated amendments to increase transparency and accountability, but proposals for public registries of allowances and ministerial decisions were rejected to protect commercial confidentiality, with the government committed to supporting businesses and households through the transition using carbon tax revenue.

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8 Nov 2022

Revision of Electricity Market Structure and Its Impact on Singapore's Energy Security and Prices for Consumers

The government plans to introduce new safeguards for Singapore's electricity market, including a centralised tender for new power generation capacity and permanent regulations to ensure fuel supply resilience, aiming to manage volatility and prevent shortages.
Enhancements to the retail electricity market will raise eligibility criteria for retailers and tighten rules for Wholesale Electricity Price plans to better protect consumers, with implementation starting from 2023 after public consultation.
While these measures may lead to higher costs, the government will balance affordability with energy security, and will also strengthen consumer education and dispute resolution mechanisms to help households navigate contract choices.

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8 Nov 2022

Reaching Peak of Singapore's Carbon Dioxide-equivalent Emissions

Prof Koh Lian Pin asked when Singapore is expected to peak its carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions, and Minister Grace Fu responded that the government's best estimate is for emissions to peak between 2025 and 2028, earlier than the previous 2030 target.
The government submitted Singapore's Second Update to its 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution, committing to reduce emissions to around 60 million tonnes by 2030 after peaking earlier.
Peaking emissions earlier requires substantial transformations and reliance on external measures like electricity imports and carbon capture, so a precise peak year is premature to announce.
The 5 million tonne reduction by 2030 is significant, exceeding total household emissions, and will be achieved through a comprehensive package under the Green Plan's five pillars.
Feedback from over 1,700 stakeholders through engagements like the REACH public consultation informed the climate ambition updates.

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7 Nov 2022

Strategies for Human-wildlife Coexistence for Residents of Green Residential Sites

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about educational plans for future green residential areas like Tengah and Dover to address potential wildlife incursions from nearby forests.
Desmond Lee outlined existing efforts, such as NParks and HDB engaging residents in estates like Bidadari through roadshows and talks to promote safe coexistence with wildlife.
He confirmed continued collaboration between NParks and HDB to educate residents and the wider community via platforms like school talks and webinars.

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