For decades, hydrogen has been used in various industrial processes, such as refining feedstock and producing fertilizers for agriculture. In countries like China and Japan, it is increasingly used in the transportation sector to power heavy goods vehicles and passenger car.

Using hydrogen to produce electricity is not new either. There are established technologies such as gas turbines and fuel cells that run on hydrogen. Countries including Singapore are actively exploring its use for power generation.

Clean hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

However, large-scale production of clean hydrogen has not yet been established due to high investment and capital costs, along with the substantial resources needed for new infrastructure. Additionally, producing clean hydrogen is energy-intensive.

At present, clean hydrogen is significantly more expensive than natural gas. While the costs of renewable energy like solar and wind have fallen in recent years, the technology for producing clean hydrogen is still in its early stages and involves high costs.

Moreover, due to Singapore’s limited land and lack of alternative clean energy sources, we will need to import most of our hydrogen needs. This adds to the cost, as supply chains and infrastructure must be developed in order to transport hydrogen from overseas.

Nevertheless, if clean hydrogen becomes economically viable in the future, it could play an important role in decarbonising not only the local energy sector but also industries and energy producers globally.

Decarbonising the energy sector is crucial, and exploring all possible options, including hydrogen, is important. Although clean hydrogen is currently expensive, it remains a promising solution.

EMA and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore have recently shortlisted two consortia to develop an end-to-end ammonia supply chain for power generation and maritime bunkering. Separately, (EMA) has invited private-sector companies to build, own and operate new power plants that are hydrogen-compatible but will initially run on natural gas.

EMA is also planning a study to develop the legislative and regulatory framework needed to support hydrogen adoption in the power sector. The study will help prepare us for large-scale hydrogen use in the future.

Singapore is also ramping up its research and development efforts to study the technologies needed for low-carbon hydrogen supply chains and end-use applications. Under the second phase of the Low-Carbon Energy Research initiative, $43 million has been awarded to six projects to under the Directed Hydrogen Programme to build capabilities in Singapore to utilise hydrogen safely and economically.

Hydrogen has the potential to be a significant component in Singapore’s energy mix as we move towards a net-zero future. While this depends on technological advancements and the international cooperation, we are preparing to seize the opportunity when it becomes economically viable.