The Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore has proposed changes to the country’s Electricity Act, requiring power generation firms to improve the energy efficiency of their existing units and shift towards cleaner and more efficient modes of power generation. This would allow EMA to set greenhouse gas emissions standards or policies as part of the country’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
This move comes after the United Nations raised dire warnings in early August 2021 about the consequences of climate change if the world does not reach net-zero carbon emissions by around 2050. With Singapore banking on fossil fuels, the main driver of modern climate change, for 95% of its energy needs, the laws will help reduce emissions even as the country researches low-carbon technologies while ensuring the sustainability, security, and reliability of the power sector.
Other proposed changes include allowing EMA to acquire, build, own and/or operate critical infrastructure, allow it to raise capital or issue bonds for infrastructure, and make it an offense for a person to damage protective infrastructure housing cables or pipelines, such as cable tunnels. The country is seeking public feedback on these changes, spread across three different pieces of energy legislation.
(Source: The Straits Times)
