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Summary Reader Response Draft 1: SolarNova Programme

"HDB to Bring Solar Energy to Over 8,000 Blocks Through SolarNova Programme," a web post from Housing & Development Board (HDB) (2022), states that HDB plans to achieve a total solar capacity target of 540 megawatt-peak (MWp) by 2030 for 1290 HDB blocks and 99 government sites. This goal equates to the energy required to run 135,000 4-room HDB apartments for a year. HDB plans to reach this goal with its seventh solar leasing tender for the SolarNova programme. Along with HDB, this programme is spearheaded by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) to expedite the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore. This initiative is also a crucial element of the HDB Green Towns Programme (GTP), which strives to make HDB towns more sustainable by reducing energy usage with solar panels. As of now, including its latest tender, HDB has committed to a total solar capacity of 380 MWp for over 8400 blocks. To benefit from economies of scale and minimize costs for solar panel installations, HDB gradually released batches of tenders over the years.

To date, over 8400 HDB blocks have been committed for solar installation. Out of 8400, 2700 HDB blocks have already been installed with solar panels. As for the remaining blocks, the solar panels will be progressively installed in batches. Plans to install solar panels in more HDB blocks are constantly being reviewed, to continue to expand the nation’s use of solar energy.

With more solar panels being installed, the lives of every Singaporean are improving. By adopting the use of renewable energy, Singapore relies lesser on the burning of fossil fuels, which are a finite source of energy. This also leads to reducing carbon emissions, preventing global warming. The use of solar panels also reduces electricity costs. However, Singapore cannot fully rely on solar panels for energy due to land constraints and the fact that it is weather-dependent.

If more solar panels are erected, Singapore may become less dependent on fossil fuels as a source of energy. Fossil fuels are sources of energy that are produced from decomposing plants and other living things are buried under silt and rock layers. Lee (2010) postulates that “Fossil fuel resources are finite and depleting.” Since fossil fuels are finite and non-renewable, they will run out as the world's population grows and demand for them rises. Businesses and governments are encouraged to switch from using fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as climate change continues to cause extreme weather events and a rise in daily temperature.

The burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity emits harmful greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, etc.  Most combustion by-products are harmful to the environment and people's health. Most of the gases emitted have the potential to cause global warming by trapping heat and creating a greenhouse effect on a large scale (Low, 2020). These harmful gasses can irritate and damages human lungs. With the SolarNova initiative, Singapore does not have to fully rely on fossil fuels for an energy source. No pollutants or greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere when using solar energy. Thus, this can help to mitigate climate change.

The SolarNova initiative helps the residents' block by reducing electricity costs by using solar energy to power communal areas while channeling any extra solar energy to the grid. Solar energy helps to lower the cost of electricity bills, especially in light of Singapore's recent hike in electricity rates as a result of rising gas and coal supply chain disruptions costs on a global scale (Cheong, 2022). Private estate residents have felt the strain of rising electricity costs. They have to pay more for the upkeep of communal areas, like in some condos in Singapore. Thus, installing solar energy infrastructures may be advantageous for these tenants, and there are already projects with energy-powered common areas in condominiums currently in development.

Although the SolarNova initiative has advantages, it also has drawbacks. Singapore's inability to host a significant solar photovoltaic capacity is mostly due to the limited supply of two naturally occurring resources, sunlight and space, which humans have little control over (Philip, 2021). Solar panels cannot create energy at their greatest output when the sun is obscured by clouds since solar energy production is weather-dependent. In addition, panels may only be erected in a restricted number of locations in Singapore due to its land shortage.

In summary, the SolarNova programme implemented by HDB is successful in utilizing a renewable source of energy. Solar energy help to improve every Singaporean life. It lessens our reliance on burning fossil fuels, minimizes climate change, and lowers electricity costs. Despite the advantages, this application has certain drawbacks. As a weather-dependent energy source, it can only work with sunlight. Also, with limited installation space in Singapore, solar panels can only be erected in a few places. Even so, the SolarNova programme is benefitting Singapore on a large scale and is the country’s future of a greener nation.

 

References

Andrews-Speed, A. (2021, May 4). Commentary: Why hasn’t solar energy in Singapore taken off in a big way after so long? CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/solar-energy-singapore-panels-cloudy-unpredictable-electricity-1882996 


Cheong, D. (2022, March 16). How has HDB’s SolarNova programme fared, and why it is important? 99.co. https://www.99.co/singapore/insider/solar-nova-hdb/ 


Govtech Singapore (2021, December 17). The Benefits of Solar Power. Govtech Singapore. https://www.tech.gov.sg/media/technews/benefits-of-solar-power


Housing Development Board (2022, February 25). HDB to Bring Solar Energy to Over 8,000 Blocks through SolarNova Programme. Housing Development Board.  https://www.hdb.gov.sg/about-us/news-and-publications/press-releases/HDB-to-bring-solar-energy


Housing Development Board (n.d.). SolarNova. Housing Development Board. https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/about-us/our-role/smart-and-sustainable-living/solarnova-page 


Koons, E (2022, June 16). Solar Power in Singapore: A Shining Energy Source. Energy Tracker Asia. https://energytracker.asia/solar-power-singapore/


Lee, H L, (2010, November 1). Speech by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at singapore International Energy Week, 01 November 2010, 9:30am at Suntec Ballroom. Prime Minister’s Office Singapore. https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/speech-mr-lee-hsien-loong-prime-minister-singapore-international-energy-week-01-november


Low, M (2020, August 7). Explainer: The impact of power on our environment. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/explainer-power-impact-climate-change-1339031


Union Power (2022, August 31). Why is Renewable Energy Important for the Future of our Environment? Union Power. https://unionpower.com.sg/why-is-renewable-energy-important-for-the-future-of-our-environment/

 

 

 

 

  

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