Oral reply to PQ on environmental impact assessments for study of geothermal energy at the Sembawang hot spring

Question

Prof Koh Lian Pin: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry whether environmental impact assessments are being considered for the study on geothermal energy in the Sembawang hot spring and other potential sites in Singapore.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling)

1. Mr Speaker, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) is currently working with researchers from the Nanyang Technological University to carry out exploratory studies on Singapore’s geothermal potential. The research team plans to drill two boreholes, which are similar to the boreholes drilled for soil investigation works for construction activities, to conduct subsurface surveys so as to estimate the geothermal resource potential. 

2. The research team is in the process of seeking the necessary approvals. As part of the process, the research team will undergo an in-depth consultation with technical agencies to determine if environmental studies or mitigating measures are needed.  

3. If the exploratory studies yield promising results, EMA may conduct further studies to determine the viability of deploying geothermal systems in Singapore. Such studies will likewise be accompanied by the necessary environmental impact assessments. If found to be feasible, geothermal energy could serve as an additional source of indigenous clean energy besides solar, and support Singapore in meeting our climate change goals.