Written reply to PQ on Assessing risk of Simultaneously Low Solar Generation and Impact on Electricity reliability, and measures to mitigate supply risks

Question:

Mr Gabriel Lam: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether the Energy Market Authority has assessed the risk of simultaneously low solar generation across Singapore and those imported from Johor over prolonged periods, and its impact on electricity reliability; (b) what reserve capacity or contingency measures are in place to mitigate such correlated supply risks; and (c) whether these resilience assessments form part of the criteria for approving future electricity import projects.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng

1.       The Energy Market Authority (EMA) monitors power supply and demand around the clock to ensure that our power systems remain stable. In the event of prolonged low generation from domestic solar installations, we have sufficient domestic generation capacity in the form of natural gas-fired power plants to provide replacement supply. Singapore currently imports only a very small amount of electricity, but if we increase the volume of imports in the future, we will maintain similar backup plans.

2.       In addition, we have Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Singapore, which can respond within seconds to mitigate sudden shortfalls from domestic solar or imported electricity. As we increase the deployment of local solar and the volume of electricity imports, we will also deploy more BESS as necessary to maintain stringent power supply reliability standards. 

3.       Similarly, when EMA evaluates electricity import proposals, it also ensures that our power system will continue to be resilient with the entry of more imported electricity, including in situations when there are simultaneously low volumes of domestic solar energy and imported electricity over prolonged periods.