Singapore has committed to a 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 60 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent around 2030 after peaking our emissions earlier. It has also recently committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The government released Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy in October 2022. It recognises the potential of low-carbon hydrogen to be a major decarbonisation pathway, enabling a gradual transition from the use of natural gas in CCGTs over time.

Today, the power sector contributes around 40% of Singapore’s total carbon emissions, with 95% of our electricity generated from natural gas. Combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) have the potential to remain the backbone of Singapore’s electricity generation for many years. Enhanced energy efficiency and replacement of fossil fuels with hydrogen can contribute to a reduction of emissions from electricity generation using CCGTs.

As the economic lifespan of CCGTs is around 25 years, each new plant that enters the power system would have an impact on our ability to meet Singapore’s 2030 and 2050 emission targets. To ensure that the power sector would be able to gradually reduce its emissions over time, the emissions intensity of new generation units (including advanced CCGTs for baseload generation and smaller generation units providing other services like fast response) running on fossil fuels will need to be managed to facilitate the transition to low-carbon alternatives in electricity generation.

To facilitate advance planning, deployment and operation of clean power generation units in Singapore over time, EMA plans to introduce emission standards for new and repowered fossil fuel-fired generation.