As part of efforts to achieve net-zero emissions around the middle of this century, Singapore is hard at work decarbonizing its energy sector. To do so, the country is implementing a multi-prong approach: from maximizing usage of indigenous renewable resources to exploring low-carbon hydrogen for power generation.

At the same time, as Singapore invests in scaling decarbonization technologies and capabilities, it is also looking at its legacy power systems, much of which currently runs on natural gas. For Senoko Energy, owner of the largest power station in the country, the challenge is to find cost-effective ways to make its facility more efficient and less carbon intensive without compromising operational performance.

In June 2019, Senoko Energy entered into a long-term service agreement (LTSA) with a consortium including Mitsubishi Power for maintenance of Senoko Power Station. By the end of 2021, Mitsubishi Power completed upgrades on Combined Cycle Plants (CCP) 6 & 7, which comprised hardware replacement and installation of new cooling technologies on the M701F gas turbines to reduce the quantity of cooling air required and enhance CCP performance.   

The project took place even as strict border restrictions were enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, with the team’s tenacity and support from the Singapore Government, technical advisers from Japan were able to travel to Singapore, which was essential for the successful execution of the project.   

The upgrades led to the following key outcomes:

• Reduced annual CO₂ emissions by 15,000 tons, equivalent to removing over 4,500 cars from the road
• Garnered Honourable Mention in the Best Practices category for the Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) Awards administered by Singapore’s National Environment Agency