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Investing in emerging low-carbon energy technologies will allow us to be fast followers when they become commercially viable.
Overview
Technologies such as hydrogen, geothermal energy, nuclear energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) can potentially help us further reduce our carbon emissions. We are currently exploring these technologies to ensure we are ready to harness them if they become technically and commercially viable in the future.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a key potential decarbonisation pathway for Singapore to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
It offers opportunities for us to diversify our fuel mix in areas like power generation and transport. If produced from renewable energy sources, it could also help to decarbonise power generation and other emissions-heavy sectors.
Although the hydrogen industry is still developing and lacks an established global supply chain, there is strong international interest from public and private sectors in accelerating its development across the entire value chain.
In Singapore, there has been strong interest following EMA and MPA's joint call for an Expression of Interest to develop low- or zero-carbon ammonia power generation and bunkering solutions in Jurong Island. Both agencies have appointed the consortium led by Keppel Ltd to conduct the next phase of the project. If successful, the Project will position Singapore as one of the first countries in the world to deploy a direct ammonia combustion power plant and support the development of ammonia bunkering for international shipping.
Geothermal
Traditional geothermal technologies require hot permeable reservoirs located relatively close to the surface. However, progress in technologies such as the Advanced Geothermal Systems has opened up the possibility of quality geothermal resources at greater depths.
To assess the geothermal energy potential across Singapore, EMA issued a Request for Information to conduct a geophysical investigation project, where we will better understand how much geothermal energy we can harness.
Nuclear Energy
Singapore is studying the viability of nuclear energy as a potential low-carbon energy source to enhance the country's long-term energy security, cost competitiveness and resilience.
While we have not made a decision on the deployment of nuclear energy, we have been building up domestic capabilities in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Milestones Approach. This will enable us to objectively and scientifically assess the feasibility of deploying nuclear energy for power generation in Singapore. This is a long-term endeavour that could span decades, reflecting the careful and methodical approach required to develop the necessary expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks before any deployment decision can be made.
To ensure that our capability building efforts are in line with international best practices, we are leveraging the expertise of global leaders in nuclear science and safety, as well as tapping on consultancy studies. These will allow us to gain operational know-how in evaluating the technological maturity, safety features, and commercial readiness of advanced nuclear technologies like Gen IV reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Singapore has also established agreements with a diverse range of countries, including France, Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States, as well as international organisations like IAEA, to exchange expertise and deepen its understanding of nuclear safety and the broader considerations involved in nuclear energy deployment.
Read more about Singapore's nuclear energy capability building journey here.
Carbon Capture and Storage
We are also keen to explore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) for the power sector. It involves capturing the carbon dioxide produced from pre-combustion and post-combustion of natural gas, and transporting it to underground or offshore storage sites.
EMA had recently completed five power sector CCS feasibility studies in collaboration with three power generation companies – Keppel Energy, PacificLight Power and YTL PowerSeraya. The findings have been useful in helping us make an informed decision on the approach for power sector CCS moving forward.
While no major technical obstacles have been identified for upstream carbon capture from power plants, the relatively high costs and potential risks associated with carbon dioxide transport and storage would need to be addressed before determining CCS’s suitability for Singapore. Power sector CCS also remains at an early stage of commercial deployment globally.
As part of our next steps, EMA will continue to monitor key overseas CCS projects and developments in related technologies. We will also safeguard the necessary infrastructure to preserve the optionality of developing power sector CCS in the future.