Innovative Solutions for Climate Adaptation: A Call for Proposals to Address Rising Sea Levels and Flooding Risks
As Singapore faces the increasing threat of rising sea levels and climate change-induced flooding, the nation’s water agency, PUB, has launched a request-for-proposal (RFP) to find innovative solutions to enhance coastal protection and flood management. The call, issued on June 20, 2024, is part of the S$125 million research program established in 2023 to support the country’s climate adaptation efforts. PUB’s initiative will focus on five key areas: sustainable construction materials, smart structural health monitoring, decision-making for adaptive planning, innovative solutions, and sensors for sediment transport.
Singapore’s coastline stretches over 300 kilometers, requiring extensive and sustainable infrastructure to guard against the growing risks associated with climate change. The government recognizes that these efforts will be critical for protecting the island from the impact of rising sea levels. In 2019, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the need for a long-term, comprehensive approach to coastal protection, estimating a required expenditure of S$100 billion over the next 100 years. To begin addressing these needs, the government has already allocated S$5 billion toward a coastal and flood protection fund, a significant investment aimed at ensuring Singapore’s resilience against climate-related risks.
Among the five focus areas in the grant call, one of the most pressing concerns is the search for sustainable construction materials. Given the dynamic and challenging environment of Singapore’s coastal areas, there is an urgent need for materials that are not only durable but also able to withstand the effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. These materials must also be lightweight yet strong enough to support retrofitting efforts to upgrade existing coastal protection structures.
This RFP is open to a broad range of participants, including universities, polytechnics, public-sector entities, and private-sector companies based in Singapore. Proposals must be submitted by August 6, 2024. By inviting experts and innovators to contribute their solutions, Singapore aims to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and approaches to improve its coastal protection infrastructure and flood management systems.
In parallel with this initiative, PUB also announced a tender for the third phase of expansion for the water reclamation plant in Changi. This expansion, which is expected to cost approximately S$2 billion, will include new facilities such as additional influent pumping stations and treatment modules. The Changi plant’s expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for used-water treatment due to rising industrial use in eastern Singapore. Once completed, the plant will have an increased treatment capacity of up to 96 million gallons per day (mgd), a significant addition to its current capacity of 224 mgd. This expansion underscores PUB’s commitment to investing in water infrastructure to ensure a sustainable water system for Singapore as the country grapples with the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Together, these efforts reflect Singapore’s proactive stance in addressing the vulnerabilities associated with climate change and rising sea levels. By leveraging innovative solutions and strengthening its water and coastal management systems, the country is working toward ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience. The call for proposals on coastal protection and flood management is a crucial step in reinforcing Singapore’s climate adaptation strategies and securing its future as a resilient, sustainable island nation.
