Why consider other Energy options for SingaporeWhy consider other Energy options for Singapore? In electricity tariffs in Singapore went up by 21 per cent — the highest one-time increase in nearly seven years. Tariffs, which are reviewed every three months, have soared for five consecutive quarters since July 2007 due to rising oil prices. Need to diversify our dependence on one single source - from burning of natural gas

Nuclear energy: The currentNuclear energy: The current world development Singapore is one of over 60 countries examining whether, and if so how, to include nuclear power in their energy plans. International Advisory Panel on Energy (IAEA) says almost 35 countries in Asia, Africa and South America are considering or already launching a nuclear power programme. It expects that as many as 20 could have reactors running by 2030, adding to the 31 that already generate varying proportions of their electricity from nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore In Europe: France gets 76 per cent of its electricity from nuclear power, Lithuania 73 per cent, Slovakia 56 per cent and Belgium 54 per cent. But most nuclear economies get less than half, and often less than one-third, partly because they do not want to become too reliant on any single energy source.

Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore In Asia: 36 per cent of South Korea's electricity is nuclear-generated 25 per cent of Japan‘s 17 per cent of Taiwan's. China, India and Pakistan get just 2 per cent of their electricity from nuclear power, though China and India plan to boost those shares in coming decades

Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore The general rule in power grid management is that no single electricity generator should make up more than 10 per cent of capacity. In Singapore, peak demand is no more than 6,000 megawatts. So if the 10 per cent of capacity guideline was followed, this would rule out most of the nuclear power plants available today because they each generate more than 600 MW. The largest reactors are rated at 1,650 MW and may cost as much as US$10 billion (S$14 billion) to finance and build

Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore Singapore may have to wait for a new generation of smaller, less expensive and inherently safer technologies to be proven. The recent energy subcommittee report to the government made this point but added that there are 'modular designs which allow smaller reactors to be produced and fuel-efficient designs that reduce the amount of waste produced'. (see ST 26 April 2010)

Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore What are some constraints faced? Choosing a safe site for a power reactor in a densely- populated island-state is a major problem Even if the decision was made eventually to build a nuclear power station, the densely populated and compact Republic lacks the minimum safety distance required for evacuation in case of a fallout. “The rule is that you must have the power station at least 30 km away. Where do we site this nuclear station?” asked Mr Lee as he delivered the inaugural Singapore Energy Lecture as part of the ongoing International Energy Week being held here (Nov 2009).

Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore Nuclear energy: The options for Singapore What are some other constraints faced? the long-term costs safety concern waste management issues

Why Not Solar Energy: The option for SingaporeWhy Not Solar Energy: The option for Singapore? Singapore is already venturing into solar energy, with Norway's Renewable Energy Corporation already starting construction on a S$6.3 billion solar cell plant in Tuas View. Even so, Mr Lee wondered about the plant's ability to satisfy the country's energy needs. “The Norwegians are seeking investments for the solar plant, to do research and development. But how much (energy) can it supply? Whatever it is, we have got to try every little way to minimise the use of carbon fuels.” The Energy Market Authority said that while solar power has some potential, it realistically could not replace more than a small proportion of Singapore's energy needs. Solar is also more expensive than electricity generated from natural gas, although the technology is still improving and costs are gradually coming down, said the statutory board.

Why Not Other Options? Singapore's options for alternative energy were severely limited, with no wind power or strong tides that could generate power