Singapore has achieved its 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) solar deployment target ahead of its 2030 schedule and will raise its goal to 3GWp by 2030, according to the Energy Market Authority (EMA). The expansion reflects continued efforts to maximize solar installation across rooftops, reservoirs, offshore spaces, temporary vacant land, and building facades. Singapore currently records an average annual solar irradiance of about 1,580 kWh per square meter, making it one of the most solar-dense urban environments globally. Major initiatives include the SolarNova program, under which HDB has committed 455 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar capacity across public housing estates, as well as large-scale projects such as the 60MWp Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm.
EMA is working with other government agencies and industry players to address technical and commercial constraints as solar capacity scales. Programs such as SolarRoof, SolarLand, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are designed to expand deployment across viable surfaces. At the same time, the regulator is studying enhancements to frameworks such as the Intermittency Pricing Mechanism (IPM) and reviewing arrangements for buildings under master-sub setups to facilitate the sale of excess solar power back to the grid. Efforts are also underway to enable greater flexibility for solar leasing companies and aggregators to streamline energy exports and billing processes.
As solar penetration increases, managing intermittency remains a key priority. EMA has implemented a Solar Forecasting Model, supported by a SGD 6.2 million (USD 4.9 million) research grant led by the National University of Singapore, to better anticipate fluctuations in solar output. Energy storage systems are also being deployed to enhance grid stability. While land constraints and variability in sunlight pose structural challenges, Singapore’s accelerated solar rollout underscores its strategy to strengthen energy security and diversify its power mix, even as natural gas continues to play a central role in the near term.
(Source: Energy Market Authority)
