Clean Energy

The energy sector has come a long way over the last 50 years and now faces new challenges from climate change. We must also be more energy efficient as we strive for an energy future that is cleaner, affordable and reliable.

As we move Beyond the Current, our energy future will be guided by these 4 Switches:

- Solar

- Natural Gas

- Regional Power Grids

- Low-Carbon Alternatives

Source: https://www.beyondthecurrent.gov.sg/4-switches-city

Solar

Solar energy is clean, generates no emissions, and can boost our energy security. It is our most viable renewable energy option and we aim to generate at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar power by 2030—equivalent to powering 350,000 households for a year.

However, deploying solar power in Singapore comes with challenges too. Solar power fluctuates depending on weather conditions such as the amount of sunlight, cloud movement and shade. Its intermittent nature could also affect our power system’s stability as we introduce more solar power into the grid.

Natural Gas

Today, about 95% of our electricity is generated using imported natural gas. As a small country with limited natural resources, there are limitations on how we can deploy renewable energy sources including solar. Hence, natural gas will remain a key fuel source while we find ways to scale up renewable energy deployment.

Regional Power Grids

Tapping on regional power grids is one of the ways we can access sustainable energy resources that would otherwise be unavailable or limited in land-scarce Singapore. Exploring the technical feasibility of trading electricity with our neighbouring countries. This move could also help us to meet the rising electricity demand here.

Low-Carbon Alternatives

Emerging technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) which can potentially help us further reduce our carbon emissions in the longer-term.

Hydrogen

Has the potential to diversify our fuel mix across a number of applications, such as electricity generation and transport (e.g. in ships and aircrafts). If produced from renewable energy sources, it could also help to decarbonise power generation and emissions-heavy sectors.

Carbon capture, utilisation & storage (CCUS)

Process of capturing carbon dioxide produced from emission sources such as power plants, and converting it into usable products (e.g. building materials, chemicals and synthetic fuels), or transporting it to a storage site and depositing it to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. This enables us to create greener energy as a result.

However, there are factors to consider if we wish to adopt these low-carbon alternatives. For instance, our current infrastructure needs to be improved extensively to be able to support the use of hydrogen (e.g. for hydrogen transportation, storage and utilisation). Costs for carbon capture are also considered high at the moment.

Our school is contributing to this mission to reduce our carbon footprint by having a total of 1744 solar panels on all our roof surfaces, with an output of 636.56 kilowatt.

[Kahoot! Challenge on Clean Energy]

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Finally, you are ready for the Kahoot! Challenge on Clean Energy.