EMA launches plan to tap backup generators, battery systems to boost Singapore’s power grid reliability

“To keep abreast of the energy transition, Singapore is focusing on three key priorities to future-proof our grid – specifically, on inter-connectivity, resilience, and flexibility,” said Dr Tan. “After all … there is no transition without transmission.” 

To address this, EMA will explore a demand-side flexibility roadmap aimed at allowing the grid to tap “underutilised” distributed energy resources such as battery energy storage systems and backup generators.

This means that such resources, which keep energy on standby when they are not being used, could be relied on for Singapore’s power needs on a “near-continuous basis”.

The authority said in a statement: “These resources are typically maintained on standby, placing them in a state of readiness that enables activation with short notice.

“Their capability to sustain load curtailment over extended periods suggests they could be well-positioned to provide ancillary services alongside their primary operational role.”

Together, distributed energy resources and electricity users or facilities that require a continuous and high load of power can be a “potentially dependable and scalable means of contributing to system reserves”, EMA said.

EMA will be publishing a tender to explore the feasibility and design of a programme that can incentivise relevant parties to contribute to power grid reliability continuously, it said.

As part of this roadmap, EMA will also enhance its interruptible load programme, which is targeted at business consumers. The scheme allows eligible participants to be compensated for being on standby and to reduce their electricity demand when the grid faces tight supply constraints.

The authority plans to provide greater certainty to these participants during contingencies by reducing interruptible load activation period to 30 minutes. Implementation details have yet to be finalised. 

EMA said the current pool of interruptible load resources was “opportunistic”, as participants only reduce their load when schedules allow. These participants, who are mainly factories or production lines, cannot offer capacity consistently or for prolonged periods as they need to keep their own core operations running.

Dr Tan said EMA will also be launching a virtual power plant pilot programme.

Virtual power plants are digital platforms that can consolidate and optimise distributed energy resources such as solar and batteries as a single power source. The pilot will assess how these can address system needs.