In the pursuit of progress and sustainability, Singapore has been exploring various energy sources to meet its energy demand and yet mitigate its impact on the environment. While natural gas is the main player in the country’s current energy mix, it’s important to understand that it isn’t the best solution. Below, we’ll take a look at natural gas and what it does to our planet to help you understand why the ultimate goal is to switch to solar.
1. Natural Gas Produces Methane
The natural gas we use to generate electricity in Singapore is primarily composed of methane. While it’s touted as a cleaner alternative as it releases less carbon dioxide compared to other fossil fuels, its global warming potential is actually significantly more potent. Despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan, methane is 28 times more capable of trapping heat than carbon dioxide. In order to curb rising temperatures, reducing our reliance on natural gas becomes critical.
2. Natural Gas Combustion Produces Air Pollutants
Ever wondered how natural gas is used to generate electricity? The process involves burning this gas, which creates heat to spin a generator. During this operation, natural gas releases various air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter, which can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, acid rain, and pose significant health risks, such as respiratory issues, to our community.
3. Extracting Natural Gas Pollutes Water
To even have natural gas to generate electricity with, it must first be extracted from deep within the Earth’s crust through a process called hydraulic fracturing. While this technology has been instrumental in unlocking vast reserves of natural gas for our use, it also led to great environmental consequences.
Fracking, a process that involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into underground rock (usually shale), creates fractures that release trapped natural gas. However, this mixture can leak into underground water sources, contaminating them and potentially causing health issues for nearby communities. Additionally, fracking produces large amounts of wastewater, which, if not properly disposed of, can harm plants, bodies of water, and soil, damaging ecosystems.
But that’s not the end. The intensive industrial activity associated with fracking, such as the construction of well pads, access roads, and pipelines, can degrade landscapes, disrupt wildlife migration patterns, and increase the risk of erosion and sedimentation in surrounding water bodies.
While these do not happen right at our backyard, by overlooking these effects, you allow such activities to continue deteriorating our planet. Moreover, these problems may spread to our region in the future.
Solar Energy vs Natural Gas
As Singapore progresses towards a sustainable future, the choice between natural gas and solar energy becomes evident. Not only does the abundant sunlight in our tropical nation offer a clean, renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, it also has minimal environmental impact and is helpful in reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing energy security, and promoting environmental stewardship. Besides, by choosing to invest in solar power infrastructure, you align yourself with Singapore’s vision of becoming a leading green economy and championing sustainable development goals.
Learn More: Living Sustainably: How Solar Panels Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Although natural gas is already one of the cleaner energy sources we can tap on, we shouldn’t stop here. Embracing solar power is a more effective way to mitigate climate change and pave the way for a healthier future.
Keen on installing solar panels for your home or business? Perry Management Clean Energy specialises in assisting property owners with going solar. Get in touch with us to get started.
