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The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has unveiled its enhanced Energy Management System (EMS II), featuring advanced tools and capabilities designed to improve the monitoring and control of Singapore’s electricity transmission network, generating plants, and natural gas transmission network. This upgrade aims to bolster the resiliency and reliability of the power grid as Singapore progresses towards its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Key Enhancements and Features
EMS II introduces several new capabilities, including a solar photovoltaic (PV) forecasting model, optimized situational awareness, and enhanced automatic power generation control. These advancements are critical for managing the increasing integration of low-carbon energy sources into the grid.
The EMS II system is a real-time operational technology that detects abnormal conditions or equipment malfunctions within the power and gas systems. It relays this information to the Power System Control Centre, the nerve center of Singapore’s power infrastructure. Here, operators are responsible for the 24/7 monitoring and control of the system, ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of electricity and gas.
Incorporating Renewable Energy
As Singapore’s electricity demand is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of up to 5% over the next five years, EMS II will play a crucial role in managing new energy sources such as solar power and electricity imports from the region. The system’s Solar PV Forecasting Model uses real-time data from island-wide solar irradiance sensors, satellite images, and machine learning algorithms to predict solar PV output accurately. This allows EMA to take preemptive actions to manage solar intermittency, ensuring a balance between electricity demand and supply.
Moreover, EMS II’s Automatic Generation Control capabilities can now manage Energy Storage Systems (ESS) – large batteries that store solar energy – to respond to fluctuations in the electricity grid. This capability is essential for maintaining a stable power supply as Singapore expands its solar PV capacity.
Future-proofing Grid Infrastructure
EMS II is also equipped with Intelligent Alarm Processing (IAP) to enhance operators’ situational awareness during power disruptions. IAP synthesizes alarms from power plants and transmission substations, reducing information overload and enabling quicker decision-making and response.
Additionally, EMS II incorporates advanced cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats. An endpoint detection and response tool monitors and collects data from network devices to mitigate malicious activities, further securing Singapore’s energy system.
Statements from EMA Leadership
Ngiam Shih Chun, Chief Executive of EMA, emphasized the importance of these enhancements: “As Singapore transforms our energy sector, more renewable energy sources such as solar and electricity imports will be connected to our electricity grid. It is thus critical to enhance our control systems to better manage and ensure the electricity grid’s continued stability. EMS II is designed to bolster EMA’s operations and future-proof our grid infrastructure. This helps pave the way to meeting Singapore’s net-zero goals and securing a clean energy future.”
With the commissioning of EMS II, EMA significantly strengthens its capability to safeguard Singapore’s energy system, ensuring its reliability as the nation moves towards a sustainable and resilient energy future. |
