Singapore goes big on solar power to fight climate change

Besides putting solar panels on buildings, Singapore plans to double the capacity of floating solar modules in its water reservoirs

But natural gas will continue to be the dominant fuel for Singapore in the near future, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said

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Solar panels used to power walkway lights are seen on Marina Bay. Singapore aims to widen the use of solar power by 2030. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:00pm, 29 Oct 2019Updated: 1:54pm, 30 Oct 2019

Natural gas will continue to play a dominant role in generating electricity in Singapore while the state plans to accelerate the use of renewable energy, primarily solar power, in the next decade to battle climate change, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said.

The cost of installing solar power has become more competitive with the use of fossil fuels, making it more attractive as an energy source to reduce pollution and meet emission targets.

“We are now faced with new and urgent challenges in climate change,” Chan said at Singapore International Energy Week on Tuesday.

Singapore, a low-lying country, is vulnerable to rising sea levels while its weather has also become hotter and rainfalls are heavier due to the effects of climate change, the minister said.

The Supertree Groves at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. The steel trees collect rainwater and some have solar panels. Photo: SCMP/Roy Issa

“However, Singapore has few alternative energy options. We have limited land area, no hydro or geothermal resources and low wind speeds,” Chan said.

To address these challenges, Singapore aims to widen the use of solar power in the city state, targeting at least 2-gigawatt (GW) peak of solar power capacity by 2030, which is equivalent to more than 10 per cent of the country’s peak electricity demand today, he said.

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