Environment & climate — Topics

11 Jan 2022

Enforcement against Foreign-registered Vehicles with Idling Engines

Murali Pillai questioned why NEA only enforces against foreign-registered vehicle drivers for idling engines when officers personally issue infringement notices and how NEA can act on third-party reports.
Grace Fu explained that NEA cannot trace foreign vehicle owners, unlike local ones, so enforcement requires officers to be present to identify drivers.
NEA steps up checks and patrols in areas with public reports on foreign vehicles, and takes action against drivers found contravening emissions regulations.

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11 Jan 2022

Stakeholder Engagement Exercises to Update Singapore’s Nationally Determined Contribution Pledges for COP27

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about updates on stakeholder engagement exercises to update Singapore’s NDC pledges for COP27.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that under the Glasgow Climate Pact, parties must revisit their 2030 NDCs by end-2022 to align with Paris Agreement goals.
She confirmed Singapore will fulfill its international obligations and is working on a plan to review the NDC for COP27, including stakeholder and community engagement.

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11 Jan 2022

Repurposing of Petrol Kiosks with Higher Adoption of Electric Cars

Seah Kian Peng questioned the Minister for National Development about whether existing petrol kiosks will be repurposed as electric car adoption rises.
The Government aims for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 under the Singapore Green Plan and is expanding the EV charging network to meet future needs.
With increasing EV adoption, demand for petrol and diesel is expected to decline, prompting some petrol stations to already install EV chargers.
Land use planning will adapt to changing fuel retailing needs, and some petrol station sites may be rezoned and redeveloped for alternative uses upon lease expiry.

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11 Jan 2022

Steps to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Data Centres in Singapore

The debate noted that as of 2021, Singapore has over 70 operational data centres with a total IT capacity of approximately 1,000 megawatts.
The government completed a 2019 review of the data centre industry to balance digital economy needs with sustainability and climate commitments.
Future data centre growth will be more selective, prioritizing investments that are best in class in resource efficiency and align with Singapore's economic and strategic goals.
Measures will be introduced to enhance the efficiency of existing data centres over time.

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11 Jan 2022

Incidence of Non-compliance with Regulatory Noise Limits at HDB BTO Construction Sites

The Minister reported receiving 15 instances of feedback on construction noise from HDB BTO projects in Woodlands over October to December 2021.
Investigations are ongoing for one project, but no other instances of non-compliance with regulatory noise limits were recorded by installed noise meters.
The response did not provide a project-by-project breakdown or specify any penalties imposed for non-compliance.

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10 Jan 2022

Update on SolarNova Programme and Plans to Install Solar Photovoltaic Panels on All HDB Block Rooftops

Gerald Giam asked about HDB's plans to install solar PV panels on all HDB block rooftops, the percentage of rooftops covered under the SolarNova programme, and how the programme has mitigated recent electricity price spikes.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB is working to install solar panels on as many blocks as possible, with about 2,700 blocks (close to 40% of committed blocks) already fitted, and the rest to be installed over the next two to three years.
HDB has called or awarded tenders for a total solar capacity of about 330 MWp covering around 7,000 blocks, and will continue to call more tenders while using higher-efficiency panels to optimize rooftop space.
Solar energy generated is first used to power common services like lifts and lights, with excess energy channelled to the grid, and Town Councils pay for consumed solar energy at preferential rates not higher than the retail electricity tariff, which may help mitigate rising energy costs.

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10 Jan 2022

Three Most Frequently Visited Parks and Plans to Develop More Coastal Parks for Recreation and Gathering

NParks conducts biennial surveys and the most frequently visited parks in the 2021 survey were East Coast Park, Jurong Lake Gardens, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, with their natural landscapes and ambience cited as key attractions.
The Ministry is expanding Singapore’s network of parks as part of the City in Nature vision, including more coastal parks.
Future coastal parks to be developed include Lim Chu Kang Nature Park, Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park, and Khatib Bongsu Nature Park.
These new coastal parks will provide greater access to spaces for sensitive, nature-based recreation and gatherings.
The plans align with efforts to enhance recreational opportunities and ecological connectivity across Singapore’s park network.

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10 Jan 2022

Data on Electricity Generated from Coal and Average Capacity Utilisation of Coal Generation Capacity in Last 10 Years

The Ministry for Trade and Industry, represented by Minister Gan Kim Yong, confirmed that Singapore has only one coal-fired plant, the Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex (TMUC), with a generation capacity of 133.5 MW.
The TMUC plant generated an average of 588.9 GWh of electricity annually from coal since its commissioning in 2013, which represents about 1% of Singapore's total power generation capacity over that period.
It is not possible to isolate the average capacity utilisation for coal alone because the plant uses a mix of clean coal and biomass; the overall plant's capacity utilisation averaged 66% from 2013 to 2020.

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10 Jan 2022

Environmental Impact Assessment for Geothermal Energy in Sembawang Hot Spring and Other Sites

Prof Koh Lian Pin inquired if environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are planned for geothermal energy studies in Sembawang and other sites.
The Energy Market Authority, with Nanyang Technological University, is conducting exploratory studies including drilling and surveys, with approvals pending and consultations on needed environmental measures.
If initial studies are promising, further viability studies will follow, with geothermal energy considered a potential clean energy source to support Singapore’s climate goals.

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10 Jan 2022

Proposal to Include Proper Refuse Disposal Clause in HDB Lease Agreements and Renovation Permits

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed inserting a clause in HDB lease agreements and renovation permits to mandate that all domestic refuse be disposed of via the bin chute and prohibit sealing or obstructing it.
Desmond Lee explained that while HDB flats provide refuse chutes, some residents dispose of waste improperly at void deck bins or outside, causing inconvenience.
The Ministry for National Development prefers to work with Town Councils to educate residents on proper refuse disposal rather than amend lease agreements or permits at this stage.
The Ministry is open to considering stronger measures if public education proves insufficient to address improper refuse disposal.

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10 Jan 2022

Public Consultation Activities for Singapore’s Post-2023 Carbon Tax Level

Prof Koh Lian Pin asked about public consultation activities for Singapore’s post-2023 carbon tax level and trajectory.
Lawrence Wong stated that agencies have been consulting the public over the past six months under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, discussing higher carbon tax needs and trade-offs.
Feedback can be provided through REACH and the People’s Association ahead of Budget 2022, with consultations involving businesses, environment groups, and stakeholders.
The government will consider all feedback in the carbon tax review and announce the revised tax level at Budget 2022.
Engagement focuses on supporting businesses in shifting to lower-carbon operations and pursuing green growth opportunities.

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10 Jan 2022

High-rise Littering Cases in 2021 that Remain Unsolved

From January to October 2021, NEA deployed surveillance cameras over 2,200 times at more than 1,400 HDB blocks, capturing nearly 2,000 acts of high-rise littering and taking enforcement action against close to 1,000 offenders, with about 300 more units under investigation.
Due to a lack of suitable vantage points, surveillance cameras could not be deployed at 87 blocks during this period, and high-rise littering feedback decreased by 20% compared to the same period in 2020.
To address unsolved cases, NEA issues advisories in collaboration with Town Councils and deploys cameras with video analytics; standees and posters are also used to shape community norms and deter littering.

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10 Jan 2022

Capacity at Crematoria to Meet Demand

Murali Pillai inquired about past capacity issues, future expansion plans, and environmentally friendly cremation methods at NEA's crematoria.
Grace Fu confirmed that Mandai Crematorium currently meets demand, with extra slots added during peak periods and a second crematorium planned for 2024 to address long-term needs.
NEA maintains its cremators for efficiency and is studying new technologies to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions from cremation.

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10 Jan 2022

Take-up Rates of Internal Combustion Engine and Electric Vehicles, and Changes to Energy Grid to Support EVs

Miss Cheryl Chan asked for the take-up rates of internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) as well as changes to the energy grid to support EV chargers.
In 2021, EVs made up 3.8% of new car registrations in Singapore, up from 0.2% in 2020, while the majority remained internal combustion engine vehicles.
To support EV charging, the government will upgrade over 1,000 switch rooms and 900 substations in residential areas to enable charger deployment by 2040.
The Land Transport Authority is collaborating with the Energy Market Authority and Housing & Development Board to assess the pace and extent of these infrastructure upgrades.

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10 Jan 2022

Assessment on Use of Nuclear Energy and Update on Nuclear Safety Research and Education Programme

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about the achievements and future plans of the Nuclear Safety Research and Education Programme (NSREP), the number of talents groomed, and whether Singapore is exploring safe nuclear energy for domestic use, as well about the impact of the energy crunch and Indonesia’s nuclear plans.
Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined Singapore’s energy transition focus on renewables and low-carbon solutions, noting that advanced nuclear technologies like Small Modular Reactors are still in R&D and not yet commercially viable.
The NSREP, established in 2014, has built nuclear safety capabilities through SNRSI, awarded 24 postgraduate scholarships in the past five years, and will next focus on talent development and studying new reactor designs.
Singapore actively supports international nuclear safety efforts via the IAEA and ASEANTOM, and will only consider nuclear energy when it is proven safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable.
The government’s stance on nuclear energy remains unchanged, with continued monitoring of global developments and no immediate plans for deployment.

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10 Jan 2022

Highest Daily Rainfall in 2020 and 2021, and Cost of Heavy Downpours to Properties

The highest daily rainfall recorded in Singapore was 185.2 mm on 29 January 2020 and 247.2 mm on 24 August 2021, with the August 2021 figure marking the highest ever for that month.
The intense rainfall on 24 August 2021 caused localised flash floods at Dunearn Road and Cashew Road, with depths of 400 mm and 150 mm respectively, each lasting about 30 to 40 minutes.
No specific data on damage to public or private properties from the heavy downpours is available, but PUB emphasises the need for collective efforts and public vigilance to manage increasing flood risks due to climate change.

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3 Nov 2021

Plans to Expand Project Wolbachia to Other Areas and Available Studies on Long-Term Ecological Impact Related to Release of Wolbachia-carrying Mosquitoes

The Minister confirmed that Project Wolbachia has achieved up to 98% suppression of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and up to 88% fewer dengue cases in pilot areas, with expansions already underway in Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Batok, Tampines, and Yishun, and small-scale trials starting in Marine Parade and at construction sites.
Comprehensive risk assessments by the National Environment Agency and its Dengue Expert Advisory Panel have determined the technology to be safe for human health and with insignificant ecological risk, a conclusion supported by global studies.
The government is using a phased approach to evaluate the technology's effectiveness and deployment strategies, with results from ongoing trials informing future expansion plans to other residential and industrial estates.

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3 Nov 2021

Instances Necessitating Erection of Sound Barriers at Construction Sites in Past Two Years

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked about specific instances in the past two years that required sound barriers at construction sites and whether barriers would be mandated for sites within 150 metres of noise-sensitive premises with multiple complaints and breaches.
The Ministry (via NEA) explained that regulations use an outcome-based approach with maximum noise limits, allowing contractors to choose cost-effective methods like noise barriers rather than being prescribed specific measures.
NEA takes strict enforcement against contractors exceeding noise limits, including fines up to $40,000 per offence, and works with the industry to study noise management measures based on international best practices and local context.

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3 Nov 2021

Australia-Asia Power Link to Supply 15% of Renewable Energy for Singapore

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether the Australia-Asia Power Link project is part of Singapore’s Green Plan and if its multi-billion investment would raise energy costs.
Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed the project aligns with the Green Plan’s Energy Reset pillar, which includes importing renewable energy to supplement Singapore’s limited local resources.
Singapore aims to import up to 4 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035, which could supply around 30% of its electricity needs.
The Energy Market Authority will run a competitive bidding process to ensure imported electricity is cost-competitive, with final prices depending on factors like source distance and technology.
The government emphasized collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve a cleaner, efficient, and secure energy future for Singapore.

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3 Nov 2021

Number of Construction Noise-related Complaints

Mariam Jaafar asked whether the Ministry tracks construction noise complaints, the monthly numbers for Woodlands over the past year, and short- and long-term noise mitigation measures including advanced techniques.
From October 2020 to September 2021, the National Environment Agency received an average of 23 construction noise complaints per month from Woodlands residents, using noise meters to monitor compliance with regulatory limits.
No-work rules prohibit construction on Sundays and public holidays near residential areas, with electronic video surveillance required from October 2022 for contractors violating these rules.
The government offers incentives for quieter construction methods, having disbursed $8.3 million since April 2014, and promotes Design for Manufacturing and Assembly technologies to reduce noise and speed up projects.

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