Juggling energy demand with need for sustainability

Singapore’s energy sector must now manage a delicate balance act.  

On one hand, energy demand is increasing significantly, driven by digitalisation, economic growth, and transportation including an increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads. 

On the other hand, the Energy Market Authority (EMA), which oversees the energy needs of the country, has to keep in mind the Energy 2050 Committee report which commits the power sector to net zero by the year 2050. 

Speaking to GovInsider, EMA’s principal engineer, Shaine Lim, shares that the agency continuously invests in research and development, regular system upgrades, and collaborates closely with industry partners to test and implement new solutions to cater to increased power demand in a sustainable way.  

Lim, who is part of the Energy Management Systems department within EMA’s Power Systems Operations Division, says that these efforts enable the nation to have “better integration of renewable energy sources such as solar power, energy storage systems (which are large batteries) and low-carbon electricity imports as we diversify our energy sources”. 

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“Our EMS (energy management system) allows us to monitor and control Singapore’s electricity generation and transmission systems, as well as monitor the natural gas transmission system around the clock,” she adds.   

Mission critical 

Currently, about 95 per cent of Singapore’s electricity is generated using imported natural gas, unlike other sources like water that are easier to handle and store. 

This poses a challenge as once electricity is produced, it is consumed almost instantaneously and cannot be stored in large quantities. This is where the EMS comes into play, Lim explains. 

The EMS is a mission-critical operational technology (OT) system that provides real-time data to help power system operators ensure the reliability of both electricity transmission, as well as gas transmission systems. 

“It (EMS) automatically adjusts the output of the generators at power plants to match the forecasted and real-time changes in electricity demand. This takes place whether it is during high demand periods, or late at night when demand is lower,” adds Lim.  

Explaining why this is a vital requirement, she notes that if demand exceeds supply, the system frequency drops and vice versa. Significant frequency deviations can damage electrical equipment or even cause power outages, she adds.   

When there are any abnormal conditions or equipment malfunction, the EMS will promptly detect and transmit the information for operators to analyse and take appropriate actions quickly.   

“EMS helps minimise power disruptions and ensures that homes, businesses and essential services have the electricity they need.”   

Challenge of renewable energy 

Lim notes that one key challenge with renewable energy sources such as solar power is intermittency. Depending on weather conditions and availability of sunlight, solar power is not always available and hence, its power generation fluctuates.  

To manage intermittency, the EMS has recently incorporated advanced forecasting tools to help EMA predict solar generation output and enhance operational capabilities. 

“The EMS also has Automatic Generation Control capabilities, which can signal Energy Storage Systems (ESS), which are like large batteries, to store excess electricity when solar production is high, and send power into the electricity grid when there is a fall in solar production, such as on cloudy days or at night,” says Lim.  

These technologies help to smooth out supply-demand fluctuations in the grid.  

“Through these measures, we ensure that our grid infrastructure remains resilient and reliable to support Singapore’s transition towards cleaner energy sources without causing disruptions.  

“Ultimately, this means that households and businesses can continue to enjoy a stable and secure electricity supply while benefitting from a greener energy future,” Lim says 

Protecting against risks and cyber threats 

Beyond keeping the lights on, Lim notes that her department also safeguards Singapore’s power sector from cyber threats.  

“Our team runs the Cybersecurity Operation Centre (CSOC) that continuously monitors for potential cyber threats to our EMS and the power sector, ensuring that critical systems are protected from disruptions,” she says.  

Lim adds that she is also part of the team that looks at governance, risk and compliance of operational technology systems.  

“We conduct risk assessments, and technical audits and ensure that all our operational technology systems and processes meet regulatory standards. Together, our team contributes to keeping Singapore’s electricity grid stable and secure,” she says. 

She adds that while technological advances increase energy demand, “they [the advanced technologies] simultaneously provide us with sophisticated tools to manage this challenge”.  

Advanced technologies enable EMA to build more intelligent and efficient power systems that not only enhance grid reliability and adaptability but also help the department work towards being more sustainable as Singapore advances the transition towards low-carbon energy sources, she adds.  

“As we transition to a low-carbon energy future, EMA is also collaborating with the private sector to build new and more efficient Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plants (CCGTs) that are also hydrogen compatible,” Lim notes.   

Speaking more about her role, she adds: “What makes my role especially meaningful is the intersection of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.  

“In today’s digital age, safeguarding our power system against cyber threats is just as crucial as maintaining physical infrastructure. The power sector offers exciting opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology while contributing to national sustainability goals,” she says.