Update on Tuas Power’s clean coal plant (part 2)

The Straits Times did not publish our reply letter so we sent the following email to NEA, EMA and Tuas Power:

I refer to the reply letters, “Clean coal: Assurance by Tuas Power” by Tuas Power and “Plant balances cost and green concerns” by the National Environment Agency and Energy Market Authority. It is reassuring that Tuas Power and the Government are committed to environmental sustainability.

In the reply from NEA and EMA, I find that the comparison of carbon emissions between the new plant and existing oil-fired plants is inappropriate. Singapore generates 80 per cent of its electricity by natural gas-fired plants, which are more efficient and less carbon
intensive than oil-fired plants. Since gas-fired plants are the main type of technology used in Singapore, new plants to be built should be using technologies that produce carbon emissions at a level that is equivalent to or better than the existing gas-fired plants, and not the oil-fired plants.

I would appreciate an answer from NEA, EMA or Tuas Power on the following question: What is the carbon emission per unit of electricity generation for Tuas Power’s new plant, and is it less or more than a gas-fired plant?

If Singapore is committed to do its part in global efforts to tackle climate change, we should be using fuel and technologies that reduce carbon emissions.

Thank you.

This is NEA and EMA’s reply:

Thank you for your feedback.

As we have highlighted, the new Tuas plant is needed primarily to produce steam to meet the need of the chemical companies located at the Tembusu cluster in Jurong Island. This is a key source of growth and jobs for Singapore.

Various fuel options including gas and oil were explored for the steam plant. Gas would have been the cleanest fuel in terms of carbon emission, but we do not have readily available sources of gas to support this plant.

The next available fuel option is oil, which is already being used in existing steam plants in Singapore. But the Tuas proposal to use bio-mass coal would enable the plant to generate steam at a more competitive price, while keeping the carbon emissions at a level that is equivalent to or better than a similar oil-fired plant. Hence from this perspective, the Tuas plant provides a more attractive and cost-effective option.

Singapore is committed to tackling climate change in a pragmatic and sustainable way. Small states like Singapore are heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and cannot easily diversify our energy sources. A right balance has to be struck between economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

We will in doing so look out for opportunities through technology application and advancements to keep down the emission of carbon dioxide.

(We are considering whether to reply.)

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