SINGAPORE : Singapore is seriously considering the option of importing electricity to diversify its source of energy supply.
The government will consult the public on the regulatory framework, to govern such imports from the region.
The idea of
importing electricity was brought up recently, in the midst of
Singapore's growing demand for natural gas, which currently fuels 80 per
cent of its electricity needs. Natural gas is imported from Malaysia
and Indonesia via pipelines.
The government foresees this demand to soon exceed supply, so diversifying the country's energy sources is an option.
S
Iswaran, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister
for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry, said: "What we are now seeking
to do is whether, through the importation of electricity, we can achieve
some sort of fuel diversification as well. Because there may be options
for electricity to be generated through alternate, renewable means or
other sources, which can then feed into our system. So that is one of
the considerations we have as part of a larger diversification strategy
for Singapore."
He added that Singapore is a small country in a
volatile energy environment, and the challenge is to secure reliable and
competitively-priced energy supplies to sustain its growth.
Discussions have been held on the regional level at ASEAN, and Singapore now wants to hear from the private sector.
By
year-end, the Energy Market Authority will launch a public consultation
exercise with industry players and key stakeholders, to shape its
regulatory framework.
"For it to start, you need to look at it
from the angle of what makes sense for individual countries working
together with their immediate neighbours, (that) would be the way to get
forward. And I think it is not just about governments, it is also about
the private sector. Because at the end of the day, even if the
governments are all supportive, we will need private sector investments
to make this happen," Mr Iswaran said.
Announcing this at the Singapore International Energy Week, Mr Iswaran also gave an update on innovative energy solutions.
Two
more companies - Renault and Nissan - will join the electric vehicle
(EV) pilot project, which was launched in June this year.
Car manufacturer Renault is launching a series of EVs catered to families, young executives and for the first time - businesses.
George
Chu, regional after sales manager at Renault Singapore, said: "Renault
is also offering commercial vehicles in the respect of a Kangoo van, so
businesses can take up the offer and ferry the goods around."
The test-bed aims to assess the costs, benefits and feasibility of adopting EVs in Singapore.
A total of 14 EVs have been deployed for the test-bed, up from five since the programme's launch in June 2011.
Furthermore, 10 normal charging stations, both indoor and outdoor, have been installed - up from the original five.
- CNA/cc/ms