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