The Trade Off Between Energy Use and Water in Singapore

Posted on Water Construction News July 1, 2016 by Enolgas USA

Over the course of the next 14 years desalinated water and NEWater will provide up to 80% of the water for Singapore, which is an increase from the current level of 55%. Furthermore, its’ estimated that by 2060 those two water sources will provide up to 85% supply for the population.

Unfortunately, that means the reliance on energy for water supply will increase. That’s a problem because currently 100% of the energy that’s used to generate water is acquired from outside of Singapore. As world-renowned water expert says: “Singapore has no energy … As Singapore becomes more and more self-sufficient (in water), it is becoming, energy-wise, more and more not self-sufficient. More and more energy (has to be) input in order to sustain the water sector,”

The desalination of water is an energy rich process that has a relatively high carbon footprint. Both of these must be reduced to decrease the dependency on energy to meet the water supply. Fortunately, Singapore is investing in solar energy, research, and power plant facility to meet the water demands of the future in a way that’s sustainable for the nation.

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