Oral reply to PQ on carbon emissions

Question

Ms Anthea Ong: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether there are plans to reduce greenhouse emissions by industries; (b) how much fossil fuel is (i) imported into and (ii) refined in Singapore every year; (c) how do the volumes in (b) measure up against Singapore's annual carbon emissions; (d) how much percentage increase in carbon emissions is expected following an expansion of refinery facilities; (e) what is the strategic plan to support industries to make the urgent shifts to changing market and consumer demands to promote climate crisis responsibility.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Dr Koh Poh Koon)

1. In 2017, 190 Mtoe (millions tonnes of oil equivalent) of fossil fuels was imported into Singapore. About 55 Mtoe was refined into higher value chemicals and fuels and mostly exported for use in other countries. The rest is largely for power generation and transportation. Singapore generated 52.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2017, of which industries contribute about 60%. Around three-quarters of industries’ emissions is from the refining and petrochemical sectors. 

2. Under the Paris Agreement, Singapore has pledged to reduce our emissions intensity by 36% from 2005 levels by 2030, and to reduce our total carbon emissions beyond 2030. To achieve this, we have to make our economy much more carbon efficient. 

3. For existing industries, we are encouraging companies to adopt energy efficient technologies. This year, we implemented an enhanced set of Industry Energy Efficiency schemes.From January 2019, the funding support for the adoption of energy efficient technologies under EDB’s Resource Efficiency Grant for Energy (REG(E)) and NEA’s Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F) has been increased from the previous cap of 30 percent, to 50 percent of the qualifying costs.From 2021 onwards, companies regulated under the Energy Conservation Act must establish energy management systems and regularly assess energy efficiency opportunities.NEA is also planning to launch a new grant to help companies digitalise their energy management systems. 

4. When firms expand their operations or new firms invest in Singapore, the Government works closely with them to ensure a high standard of efficiency.For instance, the Government supported the Singapore Refining Company (SRC)’s upgrade on Jurong Island, including its cogeneration plant, which has led to greater energy efficiency, higher quality products and reduced sulphur oxide emissions. This is also the case for ExxonMobil’s recent expansion of its Singapore manufacturing complex, which is one of the most efficient refineries globally.Beyond the refineries and petrochemicals sector, we also encourage companies in other sectors to be also energy efficient. For instance, Facebook’s first data centre in Singapore will be a leader in energy efficiency, with features that will also minimise the use of both land and water. 

5. Beyond industries, all of us as consumers, as citizens have a responsibility to mitigate climate change.For example, saving electricity, using public transport and reducing waste are good ways to cut carbon emissions.As a country, we will do our part to help address global climate change and global climate challenges.