Boosting Efficiency in Natural Gas Power Plants
Stricter Efficiency and Hydrogen Compatibility for New and Upgraded Power Plants
From 2024 onward, new and upgraded natural gas power plants will be required to boost their efficiency by 10 percent and be capable of operating with at least 30 percent hydrogen by volume, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) announced.
Gas engines utilizing low-carbon energy sources, including solar power or renewable energy imports like wind or hydropower, must adhere to annual emission limits, according to EMA.
These emission standards are essential for promoting clean and efficient power generation in Singapore, and EMA will collaborate with the industry to establish a new code of practice to enforce these regulations.
Advanced Standards and Technology for Emission-Efficient Power Generation
The EMA highlighted that in the coming decade, there will be a need for new and upgraded generation units to address growing electricity demands and replace aging power plants.
The agency stated that the newly introduced standards reflect the highest-quality technology currently available on the market.
“Repowered units refer to those that have undergone major overhauls, including the replacement of key components like turbines. It is crucial that both new and repowered units adopt top-tier technology and maximize emission efficiency to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the power sector,” EMA emphasized.
The emission standards come in two tiers.
Transition to Hydrogen-Ready Power Plants
Emission Standards for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Power Plants
Power plants that operate frequently, such as combined-cycle gas turbines, are required to meet Tier 1 standards. These plants must limit emissions to 0.355 tonnes of carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour of electricity, making them 10 percent more carbon-efficient compared to current plants.
Plants that run intermittently, such as open-cycle gas turbines used for peak electricity demand, fall under Tier 2 standards. This also applies to new gas engines incorporating low-carbon energy sources, such as solar or renewable imports like wind or hydropower.
Compliance and Hydrogen Compatibility in Power Plants
Tier 2 units must adhere to an annual emissions cap, allowing for the inclusion of other, less efficient generation technologies that are vital for maintaining energy security and flexibility within the electricity grid.
The emission cap for a Tier 2 plant is set to match that of a Tier 1 advanced combined-cycle gas turbine operating at 50 percent capacity annually.
To comply with the emission limits, Tier 2 units must control their yearly operating hours to remain within the designated cap, according to the EMA.
Additionally, both Tier 1 and Tier 2 plants are required to be at least 30 percent hydrogen-compatible by volume, with the potential to be retrofitted for full 100 percent hydrogen compatibility in the future.
Hydrogen - The Key to Carbon-Free Power Generation
Hydrogen and Emission Standards: Singapore’s Path to Net-Zero
Hydrogen does not emit any planet-warming carbon dioxide when burned. "This will ensure that Singapore's new power generation units can further lower their emissions as hydrogen becomes more commercially viable," said EMA.
EMA further explained that as Singapore continues to depend on natural gas for energy reliability over the next decade, the emission standards will help future-proof the country's power generation fleet while supporting power companies in their decarbonization efforts.
Additionally, these standards will provide greater clarity to potential investors interested in developing new generation capacity in Singapore.
EMA also stated that it will regularly review and tighten the emission standards to keep the power sector aligned with Singapore’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
VEM Solutions - Commitment to a Sustainable Energy Future
Encouraging Hydrogen Integration and Handling Intermittency
Dr. David Broadstock, a senior research fellow and energy transition lead at the National University of Singapore’s Sustainable and Green Finance Institute, noted that the new standards will encourage power generation companies to incorporate more hydrogen into their natural gas mix, helping them reduce emissions while staying within the required limits.
He emphasized the importance of having two tiers of emission limits, as different facilities serve distinct roles in maintaining system stability under fluctuating demand and supply conditions.
“With the expected increase in low-carbon energy imports in the coming years, the risk of intermittency will also rise, potentially requiring greater reliance on Tier 2 facilities. Ideally, the introduction of the emissions cap will inspire fresh approaches to domestic low-carbon technology solutions for Tier 2 power generation,” he added.
VEM Solutions: Advanced Tech for Singapore's Emission Standards
At VEM Solutions, we stand fully behind the Energy Market Authority's new standards for Singapore’s power plants. As the energy landscape evolves, our cutting-edge technologies ensure that power plants meet the stringent Tier 1 and Tier 2 efficiency and hydrogen compatibility requirements. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve these goals, positioning them as leaders in sustainability and innovation.
Contact us at sg@vem-group.com to learn more about how we can help you enhance energy efficiency in your operations.
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Source: EMA & StraitsTime