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Our Energy Story

Overview

Discover how the Singapore Energy Story sets the vision towards a net-zero energy future.

Energy Supply

Gain insights into the four switches that power Singapore’s economy and our daily lives.

Energy Demand

Discover ways to enhance energy efficiency and lower your carbon footprint.

Energy Grid

Explore how EMA ensures a reliable and secure energy supply for everyone.

Energy Market Landscape

Learn about the intricacies of Singapore’s energy market structure and operations.

Consumer Information

Electricity

Get tips on buying electricity and protecting your family from electrical hazards.

Gas

Learn about purchasing gas and safeguarding your family against gas hazards.

Solar

Access information on installing solar panels at your home and selling excess electricity to the national grid.

Regulations & Licences

Regulations

Stay up-to-date with the latest regulations, policies and frameworks governing the energy sector.

Licences

Learn about the licences that EMA issues to different stakeholders in the energy sector.

Regulatory Publications

Read about the Codes of Practice and Circulars that EMA publishes to regulate the energy sector.

Partnerships

Calls for Proposal

Collaborate with EMA in co-creating innovative solutions for the energy sector.

Consultations

Give your comments and feedback on EMA’s policies and regulations.

R&D Engagements

Discover how EMA works with stakeholders to catalyse new and innovative digital technologies.

Talent Development

Learn about EMA’s efforts in nurturing talent and cultivate interest in the energy sector.

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10 Things You Should Know About Singapore's Energy Story

17 Oct 2024
Featured Stories 17 Oct 2024

Have you ever wondered where Singapore gets its electricity from or what we are doing to meet the growing energy needs of our thriving economy amid climate change?

Here are 10 important efforts that Singapore is undertaking for a more sustainable energy future.

Over the years, Singapore’s energy story has evolved in tandem with the growth of the country.

1. Singapore is progressively greening its energy mix.

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.

2. Maximising domestic solar deployment is a top priority.

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.

Did you know that solar panels are most effective at generating electricity when the sun is directly overhead, in what is known as “solar noon”?

3. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are a game-changing technology for managing intermittency of renewable sources.

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.

4. We are importing low-carbon electricity to help power homes and businesses while promoting the region's renewable energy sector.

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.

While Singapore has limited renewable energy sources, we are meeting our needs by importing low-carbon electricity from neighbouring countries, with a goal to reach around 6 gigawatts (GW) of low-carbon electricity by 2035, or one-third of our electricity supply.

5. We are exploring every option to decarbonise Singapore's energy supply.

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.

6. Partnerships are vital to a green transition.

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.

7. Technology is key when it comes to power grid stability.

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.

Watch this video to find out more about the Energy Management System.


8. Singapore is expanding its energy production to keep up with rising energy demand.

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.

9. Working towards a greener energy future is a shared responsibility.

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.

From choosing LED lights to remembering to switch off the lights when you are not using them, you too can do your part for a green energy future.

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.

10. You can be a part of the growing green economy with a career in the energy sector.

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.


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