Otis Singleton
Singapore has been working towards improving its energy efficiency and reducing its environmental impact. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) was established to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote competition in the energy market, and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. The country has set ambitious targets, such as improving its energy efficiency by 36% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and increasing the deployment of solar energy to 2 gigawatts by 2030. Singapore has also been exploring the use of energy storage systems (ESS) to integrate higher levels of solar energy and manage variable output. ESS can also be used to provide ancillary services like frequency regulation and backup reserves, as well as voltage regulation services. To promote renewable energy, Singapore is advised to develop incentive and regulatory support mechanisms, consolidate solar energy governance, and mobilise investors. The country is also considering importing low-carbon electricity from regional power grids to meet its energy needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy Market Authority (EMA) | Established to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition in the energy markets, and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. |
| Singapore Green Plan | Includes initiatives to expand green spaces, phase out new diesel vehicle registrations by 2025, expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and increase deployment of solar energy to 2 gigawatts by 2030. |
| Energy Storage Systems (ESS) | Used to integrate solar PV, manage variable output, shift peak load, provide ancillary services, and more. |
| Electricity Generation | In 2025, 95% of electricity generation in Singapore came from natural gas. |
| Nuclear Energy | Singapore has considered nuclear energy, signing agreements with the US on civil nuclear cooperation and planning to work with other countries on small modular reactors (SMRs). |
| Rural Electrification Programme | Aimed to provide rural homes in Singapore with electricity from the national power grid. |
| Open Electricity Market | Allows consumers to choose their electricity retailer and price plan, promoting competition and flexibility. |
| Advanced Electricity Meters | To be installed in all households by the end of 2024, enabling better energy tracking and management. |
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What You'll Learn
Energy Market Authority (EMA)
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore. It was set up on 1 April 2001 to take over the regulatory functions of the Public Utilities Board and the operations of the power grid by SP PowerGrid.
EMA is responsible for the reliable supply of electricity to industries and consumers in Singapore. It regulates the gas and electricity industries in Singapore, as well as district cooling services in designated areas, to ensure fair competition and protect consumers' interests. As a regulator, EMA issues worker licences as well as licences to companies involved in the generation, retail and transmission of electricity, gas and district cooling services.
EMA has been working to ensure a skilled and steady energy sector workforce by collaborating with industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and training providers. It has also implemented initiatives to nurture talent and cultivate interest in the energy sector, including industry-centric scholarships.
EMA has been carrying out trials to import electricity from regional power grids, such as a two-year trial to import 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Peninsular Malaysia. It has also commissioned Sembcorp Industries to build and operate the largest energy storage system (ESS) deployment in South-East Asia. ESS can be used to integrate higher levels of solar PV, manage variable output, and provide ancillary services to the market.
EMA has also implemented the ACCESS programme, which focuses on securing space, matching demands with solutions, and facilitating regulatory approvals for ESS deployment in Singapore.
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Singapore Green Plan
The Singapore Green Plan 2030, or simply the Green Plan, is a national movement to advance Singapore's agenda on sustainable development. The plan outlines ambitious targets over the next decade to strengthen Singapore's commitments under the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement. The Green Plan aims to position Singapore to achieve its long-term net-zero emissions aspiration by 2050.
The Green Plan is built on five key pillars: "City in Nature", "Sustainable Living", "Energy Reset", "Green Economy", and "Resilient Future". These pillars are enabled by a “Green Government” and "Green Citizenry". The "Green Government" pillar involves the government embedding sustainability into key business areas, including procurement, and setting ambitious targets. "Green Citizenry", on the other hand, empowers Singapore residents to actively participate in the sustainability journey and work together to bring the Green Plan to life.
The Green Plan includes several initiatives to improve environmental sustainability and reduce Singapore's environmental impact. These initiatives include expanding green spaces, phasing out new registrations of diesel vehicles by 2025, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and increasing the deployment of solar energy. Singapore aims to increase solar energy development fivefold to at least 2 gigawatt-peak by 2030, generating enough electricity to power around 350,000 households annually. To achieve this, solar PV systems have been installed on Housing Development Board flats and estates, the Changi Business Park, the central business district, and the Tengeh Reservoir.
Additionally, Singapore is investing in energy storage systems (ESS) to address solar intermittency and enhance grid resilience. ESS can store energy and supply it back to the grid as needed, such as during periods of low solar power generation or electricity disruptions. Singapore has also implemented programmes like the Enterprise Sustainability Programme to support companies, especially small and medium enterprises, in their sustainability journey and to remain competitive in the global economy.
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Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Singapore has implemented several initiatives to ensure the resilience of its energy grid, including the use of energy storage systems (ESS). ESS can be defined as batteries and technologies connected to the power grid that store energy and supply it back to the grid when needed.
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has commissioned the deployment of ESS in Singapore, including the largest ESS in Southeast Asia, which can provide 2.4 megawatts (MW) / 2.4 megawatt-hour (MWh) of power, equivalent to powering over 200 four-room HDB households daily. This ESS will participate in the wholesale electricity market, reducing peak demand and mitigating solar intermittency.
ESS can be used to integrate higher levels of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, manage variable output, and provide ancillary services like frequency regulation and backup reserves. They can also serve as alternatives to traditional grid investments, driving efficient grid investments and providing voltage regulation services.
Singapore's first utility-scale ESS was deployed at a substation in Woodlands in October 2020 through a partnership between EMA and SP Group. This ESS has a capacity of 2.4 MW/2.4 MWh and will provide insights into the performance of ESS in Singapore's hot and humid climate.
Additionally, VFlowTech, a Singapore-based company, is pioneering the use of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) technology for ESS. VRFBs store energy in liquid electrolytes within external tanks, allowing for easy scaling of energy capacity. They also have separate power and energy storage capacities, making them flexible for different projects. VRFBs use non-flammable aqueous solutions, significantly reducing fire risks compared to lithium-ion batteries.
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Nuclear energy
Singapore has been exploring low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear energy. In 2012, the country conducted a pre-feasibility study on the deployment of nuclear energy, but it was deemed unsuitable at the time. However, during the 2024 Budget speech, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong did not rule out the use of nuclear energy, and Singapore has since signed agreements with the United States on civil nuclear cooperation.
Despite the potential benefits, establishing a nuclear plant in a densely populated country like Singapore poses challenges and risks, including technological, sociological, and environmental concerns. To address these concerns, the Singapore government is recommended to establish legal requirements related to nuclear safety, operations, and emergency preparedness and response. International nuclear research collaborations can also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience in the nuclear safety field.
Singapore is taking steps to build capabilities and expertise in advanced nuclear energy technologies and has engaged with international organisations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and neighbouring countries to facilitate information-sharing. The government is studying the suitability of advanced nuclear technologies, particularly SMRs, which are designed to cool safely and passively during emergencies. Singapore is also considering a pilot project to retrofit an SMR into an existing power station as a step towards a full-fledged nuclear facility by 2050.
While Singapore explores nuclear energy as an option, any decision to deploy new energy technologies will be carefully considered against stringent standards of safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
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Natural gas
To manage its natural gas-fired power generation, Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) has implemented several initiatives. These include encouraging power generation companies to invest in energy-efficient equipment and technologies through grant calls and incentive schemes. EMA is also working to improve the efficiency and reliability of natural gas power plants and has commissioned the construction of new Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) units, which can start up quickly to ensure the security and reliability of the power system.
Singapore is also exploring the potential of hydrogen as a significant electricity generation source in the future, with plans to have a minimum of nine hydrogen-ready plants by 2030. Additionally, the country is considering the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors, monitoring their safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
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Frequently asked questions
Singapore has set a target to improve its energy efficiency by 36% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. To achieve this, the country is working to increase its solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and plans to deploy 2 gigawatts of solar energy by 2030, which is equivalent to powering around 350,000 households a year.
The EMA is the government agency responsible for overseeing Singapore's electricity and gas sectors. Its main goals are to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote competition in the energy market, and develop a dynamic energy sector. The EMA has implemented various initiatives to improve the resilience of the energy grid, including the use of energy storage systems (ESS) and the enhancement of its Energy Management System (EMS) to better monitor and control the country's electricity and natural gas transmission networks.
Singapore has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 16% below 2020 levels, with emissions expected to peak by 2030. Singapore is also working towards phasing out new registrations of diesel vehicles by 2025, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and transitioning to a low-carbon energy system.
