Singapore looks to build first-of-its-kind renewable energy farm in waters around Raffles Lighthouse
Raffles Lighthouse on Pulau Satumu, the southernmost islet in Singapore waters
A renewable energy farm could be built in the waters around Raffles Lighthouse, with a feasibility study expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) told CNA that it has earmarked 30ha around the island and is looking into installing solar panels above the sea surface and tidal turbines underwater.
Observers said it would be the first facility in Singapore to combine harnessing energy from the sun as well as tides on a large scale. The total energy generated in a year could power the equivalent of 1,000 four-room Housing Board flats, said an expert. It would likely be used to charge electric harbour craft, in line with upcoming requirements to decarbonise the maritime industry.
From 2030, new harbour craft in the country must be fully electric, be able to use cleaner biofuels or be compatible with net-zero fuels such as hydrogen. This comes amid a push for all harbour craft and pleasure craft to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as part of the national climate ambition.
A Shining Energy Source
Singapore is working to meet 28% of its peak power demand with solar energy by 2030. The country chose solar as its main renewable energy focus due to its high levels of solar irradiance and limited land area. To meet these targets, Singapore will need to invest in innovative approaches to harness its solar power, like floating PV systems. Solar power in Singapore is a prospective field of investment for Asia’s financiers, especially as the country switches to renewable energy. With significant improvements in its renewable energy policy, Singapore’s government has sided with other developed nations, moving towards the mutual goal of reducing fossil fuel dependence.
However, current policies do not discriminate between energy sources, and the country still relies on LNG heavily (95%). Experts estimate that there is about 2 GW of potential solar capacity in Singapore, and as of 2018, the country only had 200 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) available. The imposition of the S$5 per tCO2e carbon tax in 2021 seeks to level the country’s playing field for energy generators. The expected rise to S$10-15 by 2023 should further incentivise financiers to opt for more renewable sector investments. With the high average solar irradiance of 1,580 kWh/m2 per year, Singapore has a lot of potential for solar power generation. However, the limits imposed by the small land area of the country (728 km2) mean that only flush mount and roof-ground mount systems on existing buildings are acceptable. The ambitious plans to expand solar PV production to 2 GW by 2030 are still in progress.
Although its small surface limits it, Singapore still has a lot of room for increasing solar power production. Rising energy prices will fuel future solar investments. The prices have increased the need for energy independence and advancements in solar energy storage. The most efficient implementation of solar will come through a combination of the following:
- floating solar panels (such as the Tengeh Floating PV system),
- roof-mounted solar panels (such as the HDB Solar-Ready Roof Program)
- and investments in international large-scale solar farms (such as the Singapore-Australia Sun Cable).
Singapore more than halfway to its 2030 solar power deployment target: Grace Fu
Solar panels on Southeast Asia's first zero energy building in Singapore
Singapore is more than halfway to its solar power deployment target of at least 2,000 megawatt-peak by 2030, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on Wednesday (Jan 10). The country has doubled its solar power deployment since 2021 to over 1,000 megawatt-peak currently, she added. The minister gave the updated figures in parliament in response to questions on Singapore's progress in transitioning towards renewable energy.
During the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28), Singapore co-facilitated negotiations on mitigation and the first global stocktake that contributed to the successful adoption of the UAE Consensus, which calls on countries to transition away from fossil fuels, said Ms Fu. The UAE Consensus also calls on countries to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency globally by 2030. At the conference, Singapore signed the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency pledge. "Singapore supports the UAE Consensus. As part of our long-term low-emissions development strategy, Singapore has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, despite being a small, alternative energy disadvantaged city-state with many natural limitations on our climate action measures," said the minister.
The country has been accelerating its energy transition, with solar energy as one of its key pushes. Solar energy is one of the four "switches" that Singapore is deploying to achieve its net-zero target by 2050. The other three are natural gas, regional power grids and low-carbon alternatives. Solar energy will eventually allow Singapore to meet about 10 per cent of its projected electricity demand in 2050, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) said in November last year. The country is on track to meet the 1,500 megawatt-peak goal of solar deployment by 2025.
Australia approves US$13.5 billion project to export solar power to Singapore
Australia said on Wednesday (Aug 21) it had given the go-ahead for a A$20 billion (US$13.5 billion) solar project that plans to ship energy from a giant solar farm in the country's north to Singapore through a 4,300km undersea cable.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said SunCable's flagship Australia-Asia power link project would help meet the growing demand for renewable energy at home and abroad. Plibersek said the vast solar farm would generate enough energy to power three million homes and would include panels, batteries and eventually, a cable linking Australia with Singapore.
"It will be the largest solar precinct in the world and heralds Australia as the world leader in green energy," she said. A final investment decision is expected in 2027 with electricity supply to begin in the early 2030s, according to SunCable.
How an undersea cable project with Australia could transform Singapore’s renewable energy future
A 4,200km undersea cable promises to deliver vast amounts of clean energy to Singapore
The company behind a megaproject to deliver up to 15 per cent of Singapore’s energy requirements via a 4,200km undersea cable from northern Australia aims to start construction in 2024. The project took a step closer to being realised last week, after being deemed investment-ready by Infrastructure Australia, a statutory body that advises the country’s government on key projects of national significance.
This potentially opens the US$20.7 billion intercontinental cable operation - called the Australia-Asia PowerLink - to investment that could include public funds. Before construction can begin, all financing documents will need to be signed and prior conditions for the availability of financing will have to be fulfilled. Sun Cable wants to build the largest solar farm and battery storage facility in the world in Australia’s Northern Territory and send clean power to the regional city of Darwin as well as Singapore.
“We certainly envisage that this will be the first of many and the need for supply of renewable energy from resource-abundant regions to large growing loads will become more and more intense as years go by,” Sun Cable’s Founder and CEO David Griffin told CNA. The company is banking on the rapid electrification of Southeast Asian economies and the pursuit of cleaner technologies as countries sharpen their focus on emissions targets to address climate change.
Singapore to import 1.4 GW of solar power from Indonesia, following 2 GW deal
Singapore is set to grant conditional approval to import 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from two solar power projects in Indonesia, marking a significant step in the country’s push for a low-carbon energy supply. According to Reuters, this announcement was made by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean during his visit to Indonesia on Thursday.
This new deal follows a previous arrangement to import 2 GW of solar power from Indonesia. The latest agreement will help Singapore secure clean electricity from solar power and battery storage systems. Indonesian Senior Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said that this deal marks a shift for Indonesia from being a major exporter of coal and natural gas to taking its first step in transitioning from a fossil fuel exporter to a renewable energy exporter. According to Minister Luhut, the overall projects are valued at approximately $20 billion.
Conditional approvals for the 1.4 GW of power will be awarded to the TotalEnergies-RGE and Shell-Vena consortia, according to Singapore’s Minister of Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Infrastructure, Tan See Leng. The 2 GW import deal, approved last year, will also be upgraded to conditional licences this year, said Mr Teo at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum in Jakarta. These projects will be developed by a coalition of Indonesian and Singaporean firms, including Pacific Medco Solar Energy, Adaro Solar International, and Keppel Corp Ltd. Together, these companies plan to install about 11 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 21 GW of battery storage capacity in Indonesia, with the projects expected to come online by late 2027.
Singapore moves to import more low-carbon electricity from Indonesia
Singapore granted conditional approvals to another two companies on Thursday (Sep 5) to import low-carbon electricity from Indonesia, as the country raised its import target.
The two companies – Singa Renewables and Shell Eastern Trading – have been given the conditional nod to import 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity in total, said the Energy Market Authority (EMA) on Thursday (Sep 5).
"EMA has (preliminarily) assessed these projects to be technically and commercially viable," it said in a media release. "The conditional approvals seek to facilitate the companies in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and licences for the projects."
Singapore aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. EMA said it will continue to engage companies with "credible and commercially viable proposals" that can contribute to its 2050 target.
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Sentosa, RWS to install solar panels at 18 locations as part of carbon neutrality efforts
Solar panels are seen on the roof of the Revenge of the Mummy attraction at Universal Studios Singapore
Sentosa and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) are embarking on a large-scale deployment of solar panels to harness energy across the island from this month, as part of its efforts to go carbon neutral by 2030. The panels will be installed at a new batch of 18 sites, including Palawan Kidz City, Beach Station, Universal Studios Singapore and Hard Rock Hotel, said Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) on Wednesday (Jun 15).
This marks the first major renewable energy milestone under the refreshed Sustainable Sentosa roadmap, which was launched in September last year. Under this, Sentosa has committed to becoming a carbon neutral destination by 2030 and a “globally recognised, certified sustainable tourism destination”. It is also studying other sources of renewable energy, such as tidal energy and waste-to-energy generators, as part of its long-term strategies.
Small-scale pilots are currently being explored with a view of scaling them for mass deployment should they prove successful. The island aims to power 10 per cent of its electricity usage through onsite renewable energy by 2030.
Tender called for installation of solar panels on 1,290 HDB blocks, 99 government sites
More than 8,400 HDB blocks have been committed for solar installation till date, to help reduce Singapore’s carbon footprint
The Housing Board (HDB) launched a tender on Friday (Feb 25) to install solar panels on 1,290 HDB blocks and 99 government sites. With a solar capacity of 75 megawatt-peak (MWp), the SolarNova Tender will cater to demand from HDB flats in Bishan-Toa Payoh, Tanjong Pagar and Jurong-Clementi Town Councils. The government sites comprise 57 schools, 37 sites across Singapore Polytechnic's campus, Fuchun CC, two Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) sites, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board office building and the upcoming Khatib Polyclinic.
This is the seventh solar leasing tender under the SolarNova programme, led jointly by HDB and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) to accelerate the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore and helps drive the growth of Singapore’s solar industry. Under the programme, solar energy that is harnessed is first used to "power common services, such as lifts, lights and water pumps in housing estates in the day, with excess energy channelled to the grid, HDB said
HDB said it is the largest driver for the installation of solar PV systems in Singapore today. Inclusive of this tender, it has "committed a total solar capacity of 380 MWp for about 8,400 HDB blocks". This is equivalent to powering 95,000 four-room flats with solar energy, it added. 2,700 HDB blocks have been installed with solar panels to date.
What is the potential of solar energy in Singapore?
Solar energy is currently the most promising renewable energy option for Singapore. It is clean, generates no emissions, and can boost our energy security.
Being in the tropical sun belt, Singapore enjoys an average annual solar irradiance of 1,580 kWh/m2/year. EMA's aim is to potentially achieve 1.5GWp of solar deployment by 2025, and at least 2 GWp by 2030. Achieving our 2025 solar target of 1.5 GWp is equivalent to meeting the annual electricity needs of around 260,000 households in Singapore, or around 2% of our total projected electricity demand in 2025.
In the longer term, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has estimated that Singapore has the technical potential to deploy up to 8.6 GWp by 2050, which would constitute around 10% of the projected electricity demand then.
Solar canopies being considered for Jurong, Tuas ports to generate renewable power
Experts said these initiatives, if found to be feasible, could significantly increase Singapore’s solar power capacity
In an effort to maximise the amount of solar energy that can be generated in land-scarce Singapore, the authorities are exploring the possibility of building solar canopies at Jurong and Tuas ports. Similarly, JTC Corporation, the government agency overseeing Singapore’s industrial spaces, plans to look at whether it is possible to erect solar canopies over roads, carparks, drains and other open spaces in Singapore.
Experts said these initiatives, if found to be feasible, could significantly increase Singapore’s solar power capacity, which is crucial for achieving the national goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Solar canopies are outdoor, roof-like structures designed to hold overhanging solar panels, while providing shelter and shade.
Some examples here include the canopy at the main entrance of Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar, which has integrated solar panels that can produce up to 2 per cent of the building’s energy use, and breeze shelters at the Marina Bay waterfront promenade. Singapore has said it aims to generate at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar power by 2030, which is enough to meet about 3 per cent of the country’s projected electricity demand.
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Singapore to ramp up solar energy production to power 350,000 homes by 2030
Solar panels on the rooftop of a block in Ang Mo Kio. Currently, solar energy contributes less than 1 per cent to Singapore's total energy mix
The Republic is ramping up its drive to soak up more energy from the sun, amid growing global awareness on how fossil fuels are contributing to climate change. By 2030, Singapore wants to ramp up its solar capacity by more than seven times from current levels and increase the current 260 megawatt-peak (MWp) of installed solar capacity to 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp).
This is enough to meet the annual power needs of around 350,000 households in Singapore, or about 4 per cent of Singapore's total electricity demand today. The new 2GWp target for Singapore was outlined by Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing on Tuesday morning (Oct 29) at the opening of the Singapore International Energy Week held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
Solar energy is the most viable renewable energy option for Singapore, but harnessing it to power the nation did not come without obstacles. Singapore's small size, the intermittency of sunshine due to cloud cover and urban shading, and cost of solar deployment were some challenges. Currently, solar energy contributes less than 1 per cent to Singapore's total energy mix.
Singapore boosts UN climate targets, confirms net zero by 2050
Singapore's emissions will still grow before starting to fall towards the end of this decade to reach net zero by 2050
Singapore will reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Tuesday, while also announcing a stronger 2030 target as part of the nation’s efforts to fight climate change and meet its international obligations.
The Government, which had previously said it was considering reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, has confirmed it is on track to achieve the target.
Mr Wong said the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions will reach about 60 million tonnes in 2030 after peaking earlier.
Global net zero emissions by 2050
Singapore will raise our national climate target to achieve “net zero emissions by 2050” as part of our Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS). We will also “reduce emissions to around 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2030 after peaking emissions earlier” as part of our revised 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Singapore will submit these updates to the LEDS and 2030 NDC to the UNFCCC by the end of 2022.
This revision to Singapore’s national climate target builds upon our current LEDS and NDCs, as well as Singapore’s early actions towards sustainable development since independence. In 2009, Singapore had pledged to reduce our emission by 16% below Business-as-Usual (BAU) levels by 2020 ahead of the Copenhagen Summit under the Copenhagen Accord. Singapore has achieved this pledge – our 2020 emissions of 52.8 MtCO2e is equivalent to 32% below our Business-as-Usual (BAU) levels[1], and gives us confidence to raise our climate ambition.
Given that Singapore is an alternative energy disadvantaged island city-state, these targets are contingent on technological advances and the economic viability of low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), as well as effective international collaborations in areas such as carbon credits and renewable energy imports. Singapore’s ability to fulfil our pledges, like all Parties, will depend on the continued international commitment by Parties to the Paris Agreement and their climate pledges.
