The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has announced plans to increase its generation capacity over the next five years to meet Singapore’s growing demand for electricity, but with greener, more energy-efficient power plants. This announcement came in the wake of Keppel’s announcement that it would build a new hydrogen-ready power plant on Jurong island, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. When operational, the plant would be able to power around 864,000 mid-sized public housing flats per year. The power plant is expected to be able to operate on fuels with 30% hydrogen content, lowering its carbon footprint compared to conventional power plants.
However, with electricity demand expected to grow by at least 4% each year between 2023 and 2028, EMA has also launched a request for proposals for additional generation capacity that it expects Singapore would need by 2028. Should private companies not express an interest in building new generation capacity, the EMA will step in to build the necessary new capacity.
Another possible option being explored by Singapore is the use of geothermal energy, with researchers exploring hot temperatures found deep underground at a site in northern Singapore, near the Sembawang hot springs. These pockets of temperatures could generate enough energy to power cooling systems and, if viable, provide a valuable non-fossil fuel option for energy in resource-scarce Singapore.
(Sources: Channel News Asia; Economic Development Board)
