DUBAI: As Singapore is almost 100 percent dependent on natural gas for its energy needs, the country has adopted multiple strategies to undertake a challenging energy transition, Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

‘It is such a difficult challenge for us. Because we are almost 100 percent dependent on natural gas. It is the cleanest fossil fuel,’ she said on the sidelines of COP28, the UN Climate Conference that successfully concluded on Wednesday at Expo City Dubai.

Singapore enabled transition from oil to natural gas for power generation in the early 2000s, Fu noted, adding that natural gas remains an important transition fuel to ensure energy security as countries decarbonise.

No alternative options at home

She explained that Singapore is an alternative energy disadvantaged (AED) country, with high urban density, limited land and sea spaces, relatively flat land, low wind speeds and a lack of hydrothermal resources, which present seri
ous limitations in alternative energy options.

‘So, how do we transit when we do not have many renewable options because we are very land constrained. We do not have huge land for deployment of solar. We do not have geothermal and hydro sources,’ Fu pointed out.

However, the minister asserted that it does not stop Singapore from thinking and innovating. ‘We are pursuing a clean, secure, and efficient energy future. So, we are looking at importing renewable energy from neighbouring countries and thinking about new low carbon fuel such as hydrogen and ammonia.’

Eyes on future

Some of these options are not ready yet, but Singapore keeps its eyes on the future and looking for viable solutions in the long run, she emphasised.

‘We will step up our solar deployment, facilitate the development of regional power grids, expand our imports of renewable energy and leverage on emerging low-carbon alternatives such as hydrogen.’

‘We are part of the global community and affected by climate change. We believe that it i
s our responsibility to apply our minds and be part of the energy transition. Despite all challenges, we have raised our climate ambition last year to achieve net-zero by 2050.’

Like Singapore, there are countries facing the similar challenges in energy transition, she noted. ‘Because the circumstances of various countries are different. Some countries may have more renewable potential, some may not. So, I think it is for us to find solutions and cooperation. International collaboration is so important.’

Technology transfer

Technology transfer is crucial for global energy transition, which should be done in a more systematic and widespread manner, the minister suggested.

Singapore likes to play a role in that process and has devised a Sustainability Action Package. ‘We invite governments, policymakers, officials to Singapore to have that technological transfer capability building, so that you can help them look at accessing finance.’

Many countries have to raise their capability in areas such as writing
a proposal to the World Bank, preparing a national adaptation plan and improving NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), which is a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts under the Paris Agreement, Fu explained.

‘I think this is where I think we can help raise capability, around Southeast Asia particularly.’

Well-organised COP eased negotiations

As COP28 was well-organised, delegates were able to focus their energy and attention on negotiations, the minister said.

‘You have done a wonderful job and I must say that UAE has been a very good host. I would like to thank Dubai because the organisational ability here is first class and we are very well-treated.’

This COP has been really energised by actions, she said.

The announcement on Loss and Damage Fund on the very first day was a wonderful start. The COP28 Presidency set the stage for a global consensus, Fu noted.

At COP28, Singapore supported the UAE Presidency to deliver a successful outcome. ‘Like the Presidency, we wa
nted to see an inclusive and results-oriented outcome to accelerate emissions reduction.’

Opportunity to improve lives, livelihood

Participation at COP28 was an opportunity to make a difference, and improve people’s lives and livelihoods, the minister affirmed.

‘We are small island state. It is so important for collective action, because we are very low-lying and surrounded by the sea,’ she pointed out.

Therefore, the impacts of climate change such as melting ice caps and, energised wind systems and other weather changes affect Singapore directly.

‘So, we wanted to make a difference in order to make our people’s lives better. We see that climate action is important, so that our lives, livelihoods, and people have a better life ahead and have a better planet in the future.’
Source: Emirates News Agency