Singapore is advancing its plans to integrate low-carbon hydrogen into its energy mix, aiming to establish a framework of policies and laws to support the fuel’s future use. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has initiated a study to explore key areas such as hydrogen imports, infrastructure ownership, and financing schemes. With a focus on enabling hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, this effort is aligned with Singapore’s long-term goal of supplying up to 50% of its power needs through low-carbon hydrogen by 2050, depending on technological progress.
While hydrogen offers significant environmental benefits, its adoption faces challenges, particularly in terms of cost. The production of green hydrogen—considered the most sustainable option—is currently much more expensive than traditional fossil fuels like natural gas. Despite these hurdles, Singapore is preparing its infrastructure, with hydrogen-compatible power plants set to be operational by 2025.
The government’s ongoing investments in hydrogen technology, including pilot projects on Jurong Island, underscore its commitment to advancing this energy transition. It has been investing in advancing the technology readiness of hydrogen, for instance through the Direct Hydrogen Programme, which has awarded about SGD 43 million (USD 33.3 mn) to six projects that can help make hydrogen technologies more viable and scalable. By 2030, there will be at least nine hydrogen-compatible power plants in Singapore.
To accelerate the adoption of hydrogen, Singapore is exploring potential policy recommendations to support its import and infrastructure development. The country will likely rely on global hydrogen imports due to space limitations, which highlights the importance of a diversified and reliable supply chain. Government initiatives, alongside private sector developments, are expected to drive innovation, making hydrogen a viable part of Singapore’s future energy strategy.
(Source: The Straits Times)
