Solar systems key to S'pore's renewable energy development

WITH 2018 designated as Singapore's Year of Climate Action, there has been significant progress made in the detailed strategies of mitigation and adaptation as set out in the republic's 2016 Climate Action Plan. Among the methods of limiting greenhouse gas emissions is the introduction of a carbon tax set to kick in next year.

A carbon tax is a common tool used to control the amount of earth-warming greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. About 67 countries and jurisdictions - including China, the European Union and Japan - have implemented or announced plans to implement such a scheme.

This carbon tax will be levied on 30 to 40 large emitters in Singapore that contribute 80 per cent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions - mainly from petroleum refining, chemicals and semiconductor sectors. For households, the carbon tax is expected to push electricity and gas expenses up by 1 per cent on average.