Katerina Swanson
Singapore's energy sector has traditionally relied on fossil fuels, with natural gas being the key fuel for power generation. In 2015, natural gas and waste accounted for 95% and 4% of power stations' fuel, respectively. However, the country has been taking steps to transition towards a more sustainable energy model. In recent years, Singapore has witnessed a significant increase in natural gas imports, with a 754% rise since 2000. This has led to a corresponding increase in CO2 emissions from natural gas, highlighting the need for improved environmental management. To address this challenge, Singapore introduced the Carbon Pricing Act in 2019 to reduce carbon emissions by taxing greenhouse gas emissions. The country is also exploring low-carbon alternatives, such as hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, and has set ambitious targets for solar energy deployment, aiming for at least 2 gigawatt-peak by 2030.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity production in 2015 | 95% natural gas, 4% waste |
| Electricity production in 2021 | 93.9% natural gas |
| CO2 emissions from natural gas in 2021 | 22.528 million tonnes |
| CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2016 | 0.4237 kgCO2/kWh |
| CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2021 | 0.4057 kgCO2/kWh |
| Electricity production in 2025 | 95% natural gas |
| Electricity production in 2030 | Target of at least 2 GWp from solar |
| Electricity production in 2035 | Import 4 GW of low-carbon electricity |
| Hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plants | Two new plants to be operational by 2029 and 2030 |
| Carbon Pricing Act | Introduced in 2019 |
| Energy Market Authority's "4 Switches" strategy | Launched in 2019 |
| Singapore Green Plan | Launched in 2019 |
| Phase out of new diesel vehicle registrations | By 2025 |
| Expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure | Ongoing |
| Expansion of solar energy | Target of 2 GW by 2030 |
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What You'll Learn
Singapore's electricity is produced mostly using natural gas
Singapore has been progressively transitioning from oil-fired power generation to electricity produced from natural gas. In 2015, natural gas and waste fuelled power stations in Singapore, with oil contributing to just 1%. In 2021, natural gas fuelled 93.9% of total electricity generation, with the industrial sector accounting for 89% of its final consumption.
Natural gas is pivotal to Singapore's energy and industrial sectors. It is a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, producing the least amount of carbon emissions per unit of electricity among all fossil fuels. In 2019, natural gas made up around 95% of Singapore's electricity production, with the remaining 5% coming from coal, oil, solar, and waste.
Singapore's heavy reliance on natural gas for electricity production is due to its limited capacity to tap into alternative energy sources. The country has no significant energy resources of its own and relies heavily on energy imports, particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia via pipelines. This poses a challenge in terms of energy security and diverse energy sources.
To address this, Singapore has been expanding its supplier base by developing LNG infrastructure. In 2013, Singapore opened its first LNG terminal, allowing LNG imports from around the world. Singapore has also been studying emerging low-carbon technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture utilisation, and storage (CCUS), as well as advanced geothermal systems, to decarbonise its power sector.
While solar power is the most viable renewable energy alternative, Singapore's small geographic size and heavy urbanisation limit its scalability. However, the government continues to invest in R&D and test bedding to increase efficiency and optimise space utilisation for solar power.
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Oil and coal are also used, but to a lesser extent
Singapore's electricity demands are predominantly met by natural gas, which accounted for 95% of the country's energy mix in 2015. However, oil and coal are also used, albeit to a lesser extent. In 2015, oil contributed to 1% of Singapore's power stations' fuel, a significant decrease from 23% in 2005. Similarly, coal constitutes a small proportion of the country's energy needs, at just over 1%.
Singapore's reliance on fossil fuels has led to environmental concerns and efforts to transition towards more sustainable energy sources. The country has implemented strategies to enhance energy efficiency and increase the adoption of renewable energy. For example, the Carbon Pricing Act introduced in 2019 aims to reduce carbon emissions by imposing a tax on greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Singapore has joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, committing to phase out the use of "unabated" coal power by 2050.
The Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex on Jurong Island is Singapore's only coal-burning utility plant. It supplies steam and electricity to chemical companies on the industrial island. The complex, operated by Tuas Power, burns low-sulphur coal, wood chips, and natural gas. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, biomass is mixed with coal.
While coal captures a significant proportion of the fuel supply to the complex, efforts are being made to explore carbon capture technology and transition to cleaner energy sources. Singapore's intention to explore carbon capture technology aligns with the recommendations of experts, who suggest that employing carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technology may be the most environmentally friendly option until renewable energy can be easily upscaled.
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The country is trying to transition to more sustainable energy
Singapore is taking steps to transition to more sustainable energy sources. The country's power generation is a major source of carbon emissions, accounting for about 40% of its emissions. While natural gas produces fewer carbon emissions per unit of electricity than other fossil fuels, Singapore is still heavily reliant on imported natural gas, with a staggering 754% increase in imports since 2000.
The country has implemented several strategies to reduce its environmental footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. In 2019, the Carbon Pricing Act was introduced to reduce carbon emissions by imposing a tax on greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) also launched the "4 Switches" strategy, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy adoption, and integrating advanced technologies.
Singapore's Green Plan sets ambitious targets to advance sustainable development and achieve long-term net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan includes initiatives to expand green spaces, phase out new diesel vehicle registrations by 2025, and significantly expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Singapore is also investing in research and development to improve solar power performance and integration. Despite land constraints, the country aims to deploy at least 2 gigawatt-peak of solar energy by 2030, equivalent to powering about 350,000 households annually.
Additionally, Singapore is exploring low-carbon alternatives like hydrogen, carbon capture, and advanced geothermal systems. The country has awarded funding to support research and development projects on low-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage.
Singapore's approach to promoting sustainable energy is summarised in the 4 "R"s: Right Pricing, Regulation Reduction, Raising Demand, and Research and Development.
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Solar power is the most viable renewable energy alternative
Singapore has a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with natural gas accounting for 95% of the country's electricity production in 2025. However, the country has implemented several strategies to transition towards a more sustainable energy model.
Solar power is Singapore's most viable renewable energy alternative. It is a leading option for those seeking a greener energy solution due to its minimal environmental impact and versatility. Solar energy systems are durable, require low maintenance, and are long-lasting, making them a cost-effective long-term investment. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not emit harmful pollutants, improving air quality and public health. It also reduces a homeowner's carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, helping to preserve ecosystems.
Solar panels can be installed on rooftops and other unused spaces, minimizing their impact on natural habitats. This makes solar energy the most accessible and practical option for homeowners. Furthermore, advancements in solar technology have enhanced efficiency and lifespan, making solar power an increasingly sustainable choice for long-term energy production.
Singapore has ambitious solar deployment plans to achieve a target of at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2030. The government is actively investing in R&D and test-bedding to increase efficiency and optimize space utilization, including through the deployment of floating solar farms and vertical panel installations.
The transition to solar power is a crucial step in reducing Singapore's dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
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Singapore is researching low-carbon technologies
Singapore has been taking steps to transition towards a more sustainable energy model, with the government implementing various strategies to reduce its environmental footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. As of 2015, Singapore's power stations were fuelled primarily by natural gas (95%) and waste (4%), with oil contributing a mere 1%. This heavy reliance on natural gas has resulted in a significant increase in CO2 emissions, with an 804% rise between 2000 and 2021.
Singapore has recognised the need for stringent environmental management and is actively exploring low-carbon alternatives. The country is studying emerging low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), and advanced geothermal systems, to decarbonise its power sector. Under the Low-Carbon Energy Research (LCER) Funding Initiative, Singapore has invested in research and development projects, allocating S$55 million to support 12 projects on low-carbon hydrogen and CCUS, with another S$129 million set aside for future phases.
Singapore's National Hydrogen Strategy is focused on experimenting with advanced hydrogen technologies, investing in research and development, and exploring supply pathways for low-carbon hydrogen. The country is also exploring the potential of geothermal energy, with the Energy Market Authority (EMA) conducting geophysical investigations to assess Singapore's geothermal energy resources.
While solar power is Singapore's most viable renewable energy alternative, land constraints limit its scalability. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to investing in research and development to maximise solar power efficiency and optimise space utilisation through floating solar farms and vertical panel installations. Singapore has also set ambitious targets for solar deployment, aiming for at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2030.
Singapore is also open to exploring nuclear energy as a potential low-carbon alternative. The country has signed agreements with the United States for civil nuclear cooperation and plans to work with other countries experienced in civilian nuclear power, particularly in small modular reactors (SMRs). By partnering with local and global entities, Singapore aims to develop and deploy low-carbon technologies to meet its carbon emissions targets and transition to a more sustainable energy future.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Singapore burns fossil fuels. Natural gas, which is a fossil fuel, produces the least carbon emissions per unit of electricity among all fossil fuels, and it is used for 95% of Singapore's electricity production.
Singapore has implemented several strategies to transition towards a more sustainable energy model. Singapore's Green Plan includes initiatives to expand green spaces, phase out new registrations of diesel vehicles by 2025, expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and increase the deployment of solar energy. Singapore is also studying emerging low-carbon technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), and advanced geothermal systems as possible paths to decarbonising its power sector.
Singapore aims to harness and tap into four switches to transform its energy supply: solar, regional power grids, emerging low-carbon alternatives, and natural gas. Singapore has an ongoing request for proposals to import 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, expected to make up about 30% of Singapore's energy supply.
