Initiative to support Government’s efforts in promoting energy efficient technologies

Singapore, 18 January 2016 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) today called for a tender for a Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) demonstration project. The aim of the project is to assess the technical, economic and operational feasibility of HPWHs in homes. NEA also aims to raise awareness of HPWHs among households and encourage suppliers to bring more HPWH models into the market. This is part of the Government’s efforts to promote energy efficient technologies in homes.   

2          The water heater is an energy-intensive appliance in the home. A survey, conducted by the NEA on household energy consumption in 2012, revealed that water heaters accounted for 20.9 per cent of the total household consumption and was among the top three of energy-consuming household appliances (refer to Annex A for a breakdown of household energy consumption by appliance).

3          Rather than generating heat directly, HPWHs use electricity to move heat from the ambient environment to an insulated water tank. This makes HPWHs more efficient than conventional electric or gas water heaters. HPWHs are expected to reduce the carbon footprint and offer greater energy savings compared to conventional water heaters.

4          The HPWH demonstration project comprises two phases. In Phase 1, 150 households will be identified to establish the hot water usage patterns of households and energy consumed by conventional water heaters to supply hot water. Out of the 150 households, 30 households will participate in Phase 2, where HPWHs will be installed in their homes to demonstrate the feasibility of HPWHs. The energy consumed by the HPWHs will be measured to assess the savings potential in switching from conventional water heaters to HPWHs. The 30 households will also be surveyed to gather user feedback on HPWHs. 

5          The call for tenders will open from today, 18 January 2016 and will close at 4pm on 19 February 2016. The year-long demonstration project is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2016. 

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For more information, please contact us at 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632) or submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

ANNEX A

Breakdown of Household Energy Consumption by Appliances/Devices

Source: Household Energy Consumption Study 2012