Singapore weighs import-heavy grid for 2050 net zero

The 25% imports scenario positions Singapore as an emergent technology trailblazer led by hydrogen.

Singapore is exploring three pathways towards net zero, with fuel mix proportions varying under 25%, 40%, and 60% electricity imports scenarios, according to a Singapore Sustainable Finance Association report.

Under the 25% electricity imports scenario—dubbed "Singapore is an emergent technology trailblazer"—hydrogen captures the majority of the energy mix, according to Baringa's analysis of Singapore's published Energy 2050 scenarios.

Hydrogen captures the majority of the energy mix in this scenario, followed by solar, nuclear, geothermal, and other sources.

Under the 40% electricity imports scenario, termed "the world sees a clean energy renaissance," the city-state's energy mix becomes dominated by imports.

Hydrogen takes up a chunk of the mix in this scenario, followed by geothermal, solar, and other sources.

Under the 60% electricity imports scenario—where "Singapore joins a climate action bloc"—natural gas slightly outpaces hydrogen as the second-biggest power source. They are followed by solar, geothermal, and other sources.

Despite natural gas dominating the generation mix, the city-state has committed to reaching net zero by 2050.

"In particular, electricity imports pilots have been ongoing since 2022 and currently includes the import of hydropower from Laos PDR as part of the LTMS-PIP, as well as solar and hydropower from Malaysia as part of the Energy Exchange Malaysia scheme," the report states.