Singapore's perspective on energy and future cities

Abstract

With physical constraints of land size and with no natural energy resources, Singapore has to harness the human and intellectual capital of the nation to have sustainable economic growth in an urban setting. Many cities of the future have similar constraints like Singapore. With UN estimating that about 60% of the world's population is expected to be living in urban cities by 2030, we have to develop new energy models urgently. Singapore had taken a whole-of-government approach that engaged the global, regional and local talent, industries, academicians and the citizens to develop long term strategic plans to address the challenges of energy sustainability in a holistic manner. The strategic objective is to build a distinctive global city which is liveable and lively into the future. Singapore has no natural energy resources of coal, oil gas, hydro, geothermal and biomass power. The prevailing wind speed is not high enough to be tapped with the current technology. The tidal wave is not strong enough to be tapped. Singapore has limited options and is highly dependent on fossil-based energy source. Between fuel oil and natural gas, it has gradually move to natural gas as it emits 40% less CO2 than fuel oil. The other energy options are to increase waste to energy, consider option of biofuels, promote solar energy and studying the feasibility and option of nuclear power. Enhancing energy efficiencies in all sectors of electricity generation, industries, transportation and housing are key strategies to reduce carbon footprint of future city. Increasing electrification of urban mobility and increasing connectivity in the various transportation of walking, cycling, cars, buses and trains will make city travel more energy efficient. For the built environment, zero-energy building and green building certification will encourage the use of more climate-neutral energy sources. With the strategic location that Singapore is just 1° north of the equator, solar energy is expected to provide 10-15% of the primary energy source for Singapore. © Springer 2011.