Singapore’s energy mix has changed significantly over the decades. Fuel oil once powered our growth as a key trading hub until we switched to imported natural gas in the early 2000s. Today, 95% of our energy is produced using natural gas and we are transitioning to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change.

As Singapore works towards its net-zero emissions goal, we are improving the efficiency of our gas-fired power plants. From 2024, all new and repowered natural gas power plants will need to be 10% more carbon-efficient and at least 30% hydrogen-compatible by volume.

Throughout the journey, we will continue to face the challenge of an energy trilemma – balancing environmental sustainability, energy security and cost competitiveness. To successfully navigate the energy transition, we need to manage the trade-offs and strike a careful balance between these crucial needs.

Blessed with abundant sunlight year-round, solar energy is considered the most viable renewable energy source available in Singapore. Singapore is also one of the most solar-dense cities in the world, with 1.17 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar deployment as of the fourth quarter of 2023 – more than halfway to our target of 2 GWp by 2030.

However, land constraints and the intermittent nature of solar due to weather conditions limit how much we can harness. In fact, despite its potential, solar is estimated to be able to meet only 10% of Singapore’s electricity demand by 2050 in the best-case scenario.

To address these limitations and make every space count, Singapore has been adopting innovative methods beyond rooftop solar panels. These include using water bodies building exteriors as well as deploying modular solar installations on temporarily vacant land and relocating them when the land is needed.

To mitigate the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar, we are deploying Energy Storage Systems (ESS), which function like giant batteries that store energy for future use.

For instance, ESS could release the stored energy at night or when solar is not available due to cloud cover or rain. This ensures a reliable and stable electricity supply for industries and communities.

Many countries in our region have access to renewable energy sources that Singapore does not, including solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower.

To date, EMA has issued Conditional Approvals to nine projects to import low-carbon electricity from Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Five of these nine projects have advanced to Conditional Licences.

Connecting to regional power grids will help diversify our import sources, enhance our energy security and support the development of the broader ASEAN Power Grid.

With the power sector contributing around 40% of Singapore’s carbon emissions, we are actively exploring new energy technologies to reduce these emissions.

Potential technologies include hydrogen, geothermal as well as Carbon Capture and Storage.

With advancements in technology, we hope to be able to tap on these low-carbon alternatives in the long term when they become commercially and technically viable.

Transitioning to greener energy sources is a mammoth task that requires close collaboration among stakeholders. Industry players, research institutions and government agencies could partner one another to co-create innovative solutions, from advancing clean technologies to developing policies that support sustainable growth.

An example is the partnership between the Government and homegrown energy company Sembcorp for projects like the Sembcorp Energy Storage System on Jurong Island and the Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm at Tengeh Reservoir.

Another example is the collaboration between EMA, Singapore Institute of Technology and Strides to develop and test-bed Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. This innovative technology allows electricity stored in electric vehicle batteries to supply power back to the grid when needed. If successful, we could manage electricity demand more intelligently and unlock the potential of large-scale V2G adoption in the future.

As Singapore transitions to greener energy sources, maintaining a stable power grid is essential for ensuring that electricity is always available at the flick of a switch. What better way to achieve this than by harnessing the power of technology?

Our Energy Management System (EMS) was recently enhanced to handle new energy sources, like solar, more efficiently. The enhanced EMS uses a solar forecasting model that predicts solar photovoltaic output more accurately, allowing us to better manage solar output fluctuations and maintain a stable electricity supply. The system also has improved capabilities to manage sources such as Energy Storage Systems as well.

Transforming Singapore’s energy supply is only part of the solution. We also need to manage energy demand to reduce emissions effectively.

In the coming years, our demand for electricity is expected to rise, driven by the growth of both existing and emerging electricity-intensive sectors like advanced manufacturing, digital economy, food and transport industries.

To meet this increasing demand, EMA is collaborating with the private sector to build new and more efficient advanced Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGTs) plants that are also hydrogen-compatible. So far, EMA has launched Requests for Proposals to build new CCGTs which are expected to be completed in the next few years.

Just like food and water security, energy security is a collective responsibility. As consumers, we can each do our part by making intentional choices in our daily lives to reduce energy consumption.

One way is to adopt energy-saving habits like turning off appliances and electronic devices when not in use. Another way is to opt for more efficient cooking methods like using induction stoves. This way, not only can you contribute to sustainability, you also get to enjoy the added bonus of lowering your electricity bill.

If you want to be a part of the clean energy revolution and contribute to the fight against climate change, the energy sector is the right place for you! The energy sector is on the cusp of change as it transitions to renewable energy in the coming years. In fact, our clean energy workforce is expected to grow, particularly in the areas of solar and energy storage systems.

Whether you are currently working in the energy sector or a student deciding on your course of study, there are plenty of opportunities such as scholarships and job attachments.