In general, countries can reduce their GHG emissions in the following ways:

• Increasing energy efficiency;
• Using less carbon-intensive fuels; and
• Increasing carbon 'sinks' such as forests

In Singapore, our GHG emissions are mostly a result of the combustion of fossil fuels for energy. Our small size also limits the possibility of increasing forest cover domestically. In addition, by 2006, 78% of the electricity we use was already generated by natural gas using highly efficient combined cycled technology. This is amongst the highest in the world. As such, the scope to move further to gas is limited. Our key strategy to mitigate GHG emissions in Singapore is thus to increase the energy efficiency of our various sectors.


Support Efforts to Use Less Carbon-Intensive Fuels

With the liberalisation of the electricity market, Singapore has moved significantly towards using natural gas as an electricity source. As natural gas emits 40% less CO₂ than fuel oil per unit of electricity generated, this has led to lower CO₂ emissions from the power sector. We are also focusing our efforts in promoting renewable energy, by investing in R&D and test-bedding to improve their performance and cost-effectiveness. This includes the setting up of research institutes, provision of funds and test-bedding platforms.

Electricity Generated by Natural Gas

	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Electricity Generated by Natural Gas	19%	29%	44%	60%	69%	74%	78%

Increasing Our Energy Efficiency

To drive our future energy efficiency efforts in the various sectors of our economy, the National Environment Agency (NEA) chairs the Energy Efficiency Singapore Programme Office (E²PO) comprising members from EMA, EDB, LTA, BCA and A*STAR. The E²PO has developed a national plan to promote energy efficiency, also known as Energy Efficient Singapore (E² Singapore).

E2 Singapore comprises actions in the following areas:

• Promoting the adoption of energy efficient technology and measures by addressing the market barriers to energy efficiency;
• Raising awareness to reach out to the public and businesses so as to stimulate energy efficient behaviour and practices;
• Building capability to drive and sustain energy efficiency efforts and to develop the local knowledge base and expertise in energy management;
• Promoting research & development to enhance Singapore’s capability in energy efficient technologies.