Speech by MOS Low Yen Ling at Singapore Institute Of Power And Gas’ Centralised Power Plant Simulator Opening Ceremony

Mr Jimmy Khoo, CEO, SP PowerGrid,

Mr Lim Kong Puay, Chairman, Genco Structured Training Task Force,

Mr Abdul Samad bin Abdul Wahab, General Secretary of Union of Power and Gas Employees,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.       Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to the opening ceremony of the Centralised Power Plant Simulator, or CPPS – I will call it ‘plant simulator’.

2.       Co-developed by our generation companies (or gencos), Singapore Institute of Power and Gas and the Energy Market Authority, the plant simulator offers workers a platform to enhance their training in operating power plants safely and effectively.

a.    With the plant simulator, power plant operators can undergo training to handle abnormal plant conditions within the safety of a simulated environment. It helps prepare them to handle a broader spectrum of scenarios, including rare yet critical situations. This proactive training approach can help avert plant shutdowns, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and keeping the lights on for Singapore.

b.    Operators can also tap into the wealth of industry expertise and experience as staff from various gencos attend courses together, engage in discussions, and share ideas. This creates a fertile ground for mutual learning and collaboration.

c.     Furthermore, operators can receive training without interrupting the day-to-day operations of power plants. This approach helps minimise costs related to errors made during on-the-job-training, such as production loss or equipment damage.

3.       I understand that the plant simulator took about 7 months and more than 1,000 hours to design! Additionally, Gencos have also committed their staff to contribute as trainers and to develop course curriculum. Such dedication is truly commendable!

4.       I am happy to hear that plant simulator training has been well-received, with a total of 24 participants over two course runs thus far.

5.       The success of the plant simulator underscores the dedication of the Genco Structured Training Taskforce to delivering quality training for our power plant operators. It has developed 7 courses covering topics such as power plant maintenance and management of malfunctions since its establishment in 2019, benefitting close to 200 workers.

6.       The Taskforce’s efforts play an important role in ensuring that Singapore has one of the most stable and reliable power systems in the world. To uphold this track record, we must continue to invest in the maintenance, renewal and upgrading of our electricity grid. We must also continue to maintain a robust inspection regime for our power plants and other electricity infrastructure.

7.       As we equip our workers with the skills needed to meet current system demands, it is equally crucial to prepare them for the impending energy transition. The clean energy workforce is projected to grow by 80% to around 2,700 workers between 2022 and 2032, particularly in the areas of electricity transmission and distribution, solar energy, and other low-carbon alternatives.  

8.       We will need a workforce adept at effectively operating a more diverse fleet of power assets. It is essential for the government and industry to continue to work together to attract talent, enhance their capabilities, and retain them through fulfilling career pathways.

9.       I encourage more collaborative efforts like what we have seen with the plant simulator. It is an excellent example of how industry operating in a competitive market can unite for the sector’s collective benefit and advancement.

10.      I commend the Singapore Institute of Power and Gas and the Genco Structured Training Taskforce on the successful launch of the plant simulator. Let’s keep working together to sustain operational excellence today while driving decarbonization for a brighter tomorrow.

11.      Thank you.