“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 discusses its 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 reported a total solar capacity of 380
MWp has been committed 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.
HDB reported that over 8400 HDB blocks have been committed for
solar installation to date. 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.
The SolarNova program can improve Singaporeans' quality of life
through their reduced reliance on fossil fuels, reduced greenhouse gas
emissions, and lowered 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 by the SolarNova programme, Singapore
may become less dependent on fossil fuels as a source of energy. Fossil fuels
are energy sources derived from decomposing plants and other living things
buried beneath 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.
Solar energy, unlike fossil fuels, does not emit harmful
greenhouse gases that are harmful to both the environment and human health.
Most of the gases emitted have the potential to cause global warming by
trapping heat and creating a large-scale greenhouse effect (Low, 2020). These
noxious gases can irritate and harm human lungs. With the implementation of the
SolarNova programme, Singapore no longer needs to rely solely on fossil fuels
for energy. When solar energy is used, no pollutants or greenhouse gases are
released into the atmosphere. As a result, this can aid in the mitigation of
climate change.
The use of solar energy by the SolarNova programme helps residents
to save on electricity costs. It powers communal spaces and feeds excess energy
into the grid. Solar energy helps to lower the cost of electricity bills,
especially considering 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 must 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 primarily due to the limited supply of two naturally occurring
resources, sunlight and space, which humans need more 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
successfully utilizes a renewable energy source. Solar energy helps to improve
the quality of life in Singapore. It lessens our reliance on burning fossil
fuels, reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers electricity costs.
Despite the advantages, this application has certain limitations. 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. Despite its drawbacks, the advantages greatly exceed them. The
utilization of solar energy 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? Channel News Asia. 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. 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. https://www.hdb.gov.sg/about-us/news-and-publications/press-releases/HDB-to-bring-solar-energy
Housing Development Board.
(n.d.). SolarNova. 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. Channel
News Asia. 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? https://unionpower.com.sg/why-is-renewable-energy-important-for-the-future-of-our-environment/
Comments
Post a Comment