SUMMARY READER RESPONSE DRAFT 3

 

In the news release, “Singapore’s First Integrated Water and Solid Waste Treatment Facility Begins Construction” the National Environmental Agency (NEA) (2020) states that with Tuas water reclamation plant (Tuas WRP) and integrated waste management facility (IWMF) built, waste treatment would be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Singapore decided to construct Tuas WRP to prepare for water usage potentially being doubled by 2060.

In phase 1, the plant’s influent pumping stations will be built. It conveys used water from tunnels to treatment units within Tuas WRP. In phase 2, the tunnels and sewers that carry domestic and industrial used water will be constructed under the Ayer Rajah Expressway. It is also mentioned that the Tuas WRP will consist of two “energy- efficient membrane bio-reactor systems” which treat used water. Finally, it is integrated into the NEWater factory for further purification. It is also stated that phase two will be completed by 2025.

NEA states that Singapore can generate more electricity, treat more water, and save more space with the substitution of WTE plants into Tuas WRP plants. With Singapore’s water usage being stated to increase two-fold by 2060, the integration of Tuas WRP is an extremely effective measure to resolve Singapore’s land and water issues.

To show the highlight of Tuas WRP as an effective measure to resolve Singapore’s water issues is that we are one of the world’s most water stressed country. After Tuas WRP is fully implemented and working at full force, it will potentially solve Singapore’s water self-sufficiency issue. Based on PUB’s website, Tuas WRP can have an initial treatment of 800,000 m3 per day. Tuas WRP is capable of dual treatment of domestic and industrial used water compared to the WTE plants we have right now. Furthermore, in the article “Tuas Nexus – Singapore’s First Integrated Water And Solid Waste Treatment Facility Begins Constructions”, PUB (2020) stated that a NEWater factory is to be built on the rooftop of Tuas WRP to increase water production capabilities and to ensure a sufficient supply of water with the growing water demand.  

Another reason why it is effective is due to Singapore’s limited land space. It is stated by PUB that Tuas WRP is made up of the largest membrane bioreactor facility in the world, which enables the plant to be more energy efficient and save more space as compared to the WTE plants. This will result in Singapore having more space for other developments, which will solve other remaining issues or difficulties that we may face.

Lastly, to mention is the cost of maintaining Tuas WRP. We would only assume that efficiency of the plant will co-relate to the plant’s repair cost. ABB (2020) stated that monitoring and security systems are integrated to manage energy utilization across the site, to prevent cyber threats and test vulnerability of the system. Furthermore, ABB will provide a service team to give the site continuous asset, system monitoring and preventative maintenance for eight years after Tuas WRP is complete. This will reduce the maintenance cost to a minimum as a measure has been implemented to preserve Tuas WRP.

In conclusion, I would support and agree with the integration of Tuas WRP project. This has been carefully planned, where Singapore’s issues such as land efficiency, power efficiency and water demand has been addressed. NEA even imposed contingency plans to maintain the plant, which will greatly reduce the cost to maintain the plant. I believe that with meticulous planning and statements from reliable sources, it will give a sense of relief and trust to the readers that Tuas WRP is an extremely effective measure to resolve Singapore’s land and water issues.

ASEA Brown Boveri. (2020, November 24). Singapore selects ABB to automate world’s largest membrane bioreactor.

https://www.watertechonline.com/industry/press-release/14187902/abb-singapore-selects-abb-to-automate-worlds-largest-membrane-bioreactor

Siau, M. E. (2016, July 12). New mega-facilities to treat 40% of S’pore’s waste by 2027. Today.

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-mega-facilities-treat-40-spores-waste-2027

National Environmental Agency. (2020, September 8). Tuas Nexus - Singapore's First Integrated Water and Solid Waste Treatment facility begins construction.

https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/tuas-nexus-singapore-s-first-integrated-water-and-solid-waste-treatment-facility-begins-construction