S’pore looking into wider adoption of biofuels, bioresources to hit net-zero emissions target

S’pore looking into wider adoption of biofuels, bioresources to hit net-zero emissions target

    This tender should be interesting to those in the biofuels / biogas space.

    Biomethane is a way to decarbonise natural gas, for which we are reliant to generate 95% of our electricity.


     

    The region is rich in biomethane sources which we can conceivably import into Singapore, eg from palm oil waste. The idea is simple. The difficulty is coming up with a viable business model of aggregating the waste and transporting the biomethane here, eg to a natural gas pipeline injection point or perhaps even as bioLNG.

    "To reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Republic is studying the potential for wider adoption of biofuels and sustainable bioresources in carbon-intensive sectors such as electricity generation, transport and heavy industry.

    The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) have called for a tender to examine potential sources of biofuels and natural renewables, such as food waste and animal fats, locally and internationally from up to eight countries, The Straits Times has learnt.

    This could help the Government secure more sources and types of biofuels for Singapore, accelerating the race towards net zero.

    Singapore has already made some strides in this area: More than 70,000 tonnes of biofuels have been supplied to ocean-going vessels as at end-2022, and Singapore Airlines is using blended sustainable aviation fuel – made from used cooking oil and animal fats – for all its flights."

    "As part of the study, the Government is looking to establish technical standards for injecting biomethane into piped networks.

    Dr David Broadstock, a senior research fellow at NUS’ Energy Studies Institute, said that using biomethane for energy generation can be quite important in the near term, given that Singapore relies largely on natural gas.

    “Before new non-gas power generation gets implemented in Singapore, blending biomethane in larger quantities with natural gas will help lower the life-cycle emissions embedded in domestic power generation,” he said."

    "In response to queries from ST, MTI and NCCS said the study will consider the potential of various biofuels and sustainable bioresources, taking into account factors such as cost-effectiveness in emissions reduction and existing infrastructure for fuels and feedstocks. It should also explore suitable applications for deployment within Singapore up to 2050, they added."

    "In addition, the awardee of the tender will have to suggest end-use cases for these biofuels and bioresources. Some options include potential usage in heavy industries, such as for chemicals and plastics; transport, including land, water and air transport; as well as the power sector for large-scale electricity production."

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