Climate change has resulted in more frequent, extreme weather events, which are expected to worsen in the future. In order to prevent global warming from severely impacting life in Singapore, the government has increased efforts to transform us into an eco-friendly nation and reduce our carbon emissions.
One of the key targets includes increasing our deployment of solar energy to at least 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) and 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2025 and 2030, respectively, which can meet around 2% and 3% of our projected electricity demand to power more than 260,000 and 350,000 households per year.
Solar energy is the most promising renewable energy source in Singapore because we receive an average annual solar irradiance of 1,580 kWh/m2/year and about 50% more solar radiation than countries in temperate climates.
Other green energy sources do not have the same amount of potential as solar energy because we are a small, resource-constrained country. The average wind speed in Singapore is only about 2m/s, which is insufficient to operate commercial wind turbines. Our narrow tidal range, calm seas, and lack of rivers with fast-flowing waters also limit our opportunities for commercial tidal power and hydroelectric power generation. Furthermore, our small physical size does not allow for the safe deployment of nuclear power generation.
However, many still believe that our land scarcity will hinder solar energy from being utilised in Singapore.
There are many ways Singapore can accelerate the adoption of solar PV systems. The amount of solar energy that can be generated when all available surfaces are used can meet an astonishing 43% of the country’s electric power demand during mid-day by 2050, a significant increase from our current 5%.
As the global awareness of climate change impacts of using fossil fuels grows, our government has pursued new efforts to increase the number of solar panel installations, installing them on high-rise commercial buildings and even in sea spaces offshore.
Union Solar has been pushing for the adoption of solar energy, where building owners can take advantage of initiatives to power their commercial and industrial buildings with renewable energy without having to fork out a huge sum of money for the installation. These initiatives, namely the Power Purchase Agreement and Solar Roof Rental Scheme make it easier for businesses to transition to green energy.
Due to these ongoing efforts, Singapore has achieved a solar target of 350MWp in the first quarter of 2020 and is working towards achieving more in the future, including an energy storage deployment target of at least 200MW after 2025.
Solar energy deployment in Singapore brings about several benefits and it is important because our current dependence on natural gas comes with certain risks and threats, such as supply disruptions and price fluctuations.
- Solar energy does not generate carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Solar energy requires no import of fuels, enhancing Singapore’s energy security.
- Solar energy reduces peak demand, reducing electricity pool prices and bringing system-wide benefits
Solar energy is here to stay and businesses can do their part to help reduce carbon emissions in Singapore. Want to adopt renewable solar energy? Visit our website to find out more or drop us an email at enquiry@unionpower.com.sg to request a complimentary site survey.