Analysing CO2 emissions from Singapore's electricity generation sector: Strategies for 2020 and beyond

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2017-04, Vol.124, p.553-564
• Main Authors: Ali, H., Sanjaya, S., Suryadi, B., Weller, S.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative policy scenarios; Carbon dioxide (CO2); Climate change; Electricity generation; Emissions; EnergyPLAN
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.01.112

Since 2009, Singapore has set about implementing mitigation and energy efficiency measures in key sectors to achieve unilaterally pledged reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 7–11% below business-as-usual (BAU) levels in 2020. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants are a major focus for emissions abatement, with an expected reduction of 4 Mt CO2 from the electricity generation sector in 2020. In this paper, we explore Singapore's various strategies in the electricity generation sector to fulfil this target and use an EnergyPLAN optimization model to assess the impact of these strategies on CO2 emissions from Singapore's electricity generation sector through to 2020. A comparison of BAU scenario in 2020 (BAU 2020), 2020 target emissions reduction trajectory, and three emissions reduction alternative policy scenarios (denoted APS-I, APS-II, and APS-III) is carried out. The EnergyPLAN simulation results indicate that all three APS scenarios achieve the 2020 carbon emissions reduction target in Singapore's electricity generation sector. The results furthermore suggest that the 2020 electricity generation associated emissions reduction target can be met through measures that are already available. Vulnerabilities are identified in Singapore's electricity generation fuel mix, and emission reduction strategies beyond 2020 are outlined. •Singapore will meet its 2020 electricity generation related CO2 emissions reduction target.•2020 CO2 emissions will be reduced by around 8–11.5 Mt from the BAU 2020 level.•2020 CO2 emissions reduction target will be met by policies instituted up until 2015.•Prevailing gas dominated electricity generation is vulnerable to price volatility and energy security risks.•Fuel mix diversity, carbon tax, and imported electricity are advocated as potential post-2020 options.