Singapore urged to increase renewable grid interconnection investment

Doubling RE imports could help meet its emission targets.

Singapore should focus on increasing its investment in renewable grid interconnection to double its renewable energy imports, supporting its energy transition and bringing the cost of its electricity.

In a report, energy think tank Ember said Singapore could only reach net zero by 2045 by increasing its renewable energy imports.

Ensuring that it is on track for the net-zero target and doubling its renewables imports to 8.1 gigawatts will cut its per-capita power sector emissions by more than half.

Aside from this, Singapore will also have cheaper energy costs, Ember said, noting that imported solar from Indonesia only costs 13.5 USD cents per kilowatt-hour (KwH), higher than the average of 19.4 USD cents/kWh.

ALSO READ: Malaysia launches platform for RE cross-border sale to Singapore

“Singapore’s energy transition hinges on how fast its Southeast Asian neighbours adopt clean power. By leveraging the country’s financial and research strength, Singapore can secure its clean energy future through regional cooperation in renewable power projects and grid infrastructures,” said Yao Lixia from the National University of Singapore’s Energy Studies Institute.

Ember said it will need $51b to $100b to develop and generate around 50 terawatt-hours of solar and wind power plants in Singapore’s neighbours by 2035.

Solar power is the most viable renewable energy for Singapore but maximising its potential will only meet less than a fifth of the country’s projected demand for 2035 of 82 terawatt-hours.

Whilst renewables will reach 40% of Singapore’s power by 2035, along with energy imports, fossil gas will still support the rest of its power which will hinder the country from reaching its decarbonisation, Ember added.