Reforms to Sustain Emission Reductions in Manufacturing, Power, Waste and Water Sectors

Ms Poh Li San asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in view of the reduction of national carbon emissions to 55.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023, whether the Government will step up structural reforms that lead to emissions reductions in the manufacturing, power, waste and water sectors, which account for 70% of total national emissions, to continue this downward trend.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Singapore's national carbon emissions in 2023 was 55.5 million tonnes (Mt), a 5.3% reduction from 2022's 58.59Mt. This was primarily due to reduced output in the petrochemical sector, driven by a global downcycle in the sector. Consumption of petrol and diesel in the domestic transport sector also continued to fall, reflecting progress towards achieving our target of 100% cleaner energy vehicles by 2040.

Singapore is committed to global climate action and positioning ourselves for success in a low carbon future. We are progressively implementing our decarbonisation plans across all sectors of the economy to meet our 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as our 2035 NDC which we submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in February last year. For example, we are working closely with companies to help them improve their energy efficiency and lower the carbon intensity of their products and services, through schemes like the Enhanced Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions.

For a country like Singapore, our lack of resources requires us to depend heavily on global technological advancements and effective international cooperation to decarbonise. We are closely monitoring global developments, particularly on technology, renewable energy and carbon markets, to decarbonise in the most cost-effective way possible.