Bio-LNG could ensure Singapore’s energy resilience amid global disruptions: Tan See Leng
[SINGAPORE] Bio-liquefied natural gas (bio-LNG) could help Singapore maintain a “diverse and resilient” energy supply amid disruptions in the Middle East and Europe, according to Dr Tan See Leng, minister for energy, trade and industry (energy and industry).
“As we work towards net-zero emissions by 2050, we will need to develop (and) scale new energy solutions, while ensuring that our energy supply remains secure, reliable and affordable throughout the transition,” said Dr Tan at the Shell Powering Progress Together forum at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Friday (Oct 9).
Shell and state-owned gas terminal operator Singapore LNG Corp (SLNG) this week delivered and unloaded a shipment of bio-LNG, which also met strict EU sustainability standards, for the first time at SLNG’s Jurong Island terminal. The terminal is also being expanded with a third jetty.
The energy major on Friday also launched the LiveWire Singapore programme in partnership with Singapore’s national trade association for startups Action Community for Entrepreneurship (Ace.SG). Participants will receive tailored business advice and industry mentorship, while connecting with potential customers and commercial partners.
It will support “promising” Singapore scale-ups in areas such as artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure and energy systems, and low-carbon business models, by helping them move from early commercial traction towards sustained growth and expansion, said Dr Tan.
“Singapore will need to strengthen our energy resilience while making progress on decarbonisation,” he added. “We will need to develop new technologies and capabilities in our companies and people. And we will need partners that are prepared to invest, innovate and build with us.”
SLNG terminal expansion
The SLNG terminal’s third jetty, whose construction began on Friday, will support about two million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG bunker reload demand while also accommodating break-bulk and other small-scale LNG operations.
“Jetty 3 will strengthen Singapore’s ability to support the next phase of growth and reinforce its position as a leading global bunkering and LNG trading hub,” said SLNG CEO Leong Wei Hung.
“Together with Jetty 3’s bio-LNG handling capability, SLNG will be able to help facilitate not only the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon fuels, but also the energy sector’s.”
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The terminal is among the first in South-east Asia to achieve certification under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification EU scheme for the handling of bio-LNG.
Bio-LNG is produced by capturing gases from decomposing organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal manure or food waste. It functions like normal LNG but must have at least 65 per cent lower emissions compared with regular fossil fuels, according to EU regulations.
Development of the biofuel will be one of many different paths towards maintaining Singapore’s energy resilience, said Dr Tan.
“Different sectors will require different technologies and fuels, many of which are still at different stages of technological and commercial maturity,” he said. “We therefore need to keep our options open.”
