SINGAPORE – Singapore is seeking the best water technology to improve energy efficiency in the sector and strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.
Speaking at a ministerial panel on water governance at the Singapore International Water Week on June 16, she warned that climate risks could affect two of the nation’s four water sources – water from local water catchment areas and imported water. These are dependent on rainfall.
Singapore’s other water sources are reclaimed water, or NEWater, and desalinated water.
Climate risks could affect the amount of rainwater that is captured through waterways and reservoirs here and in Malaysia, which supplies Singapore with some water.
“If there is a drought in Singapore, there is probably a drought in Malaysia, and then what do we do? The first tap will be affected, and second tap will be impacted. So, we really have to think about how to generate new sources of water,” she said.
This is why recycled and desalinated water is critical to ensuring water resilience.
However, how much water flows from these taps hinges on resources such as equipment, technology, knowledge and capital. Desalination in particular is energy-intensive and uses large amounts of electricity.
“We are not satisfied with just getting what is available. We want to invest with the best technology available, so for every new water infrastructure that we put in place, we want to aim for improvement,” she said.
Noting that climate change is a big challenge and that the nation wants to keep to its net-zero targets, she said that energy efficiency is a priority.
“The next phase of our investments is indeed very critical. We want to partner again with the industry, international players that can bring to us new energy efficiency management tools,” she said.
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