In an effort to decarbonize its power mix, Singapore reached out to its neighboring countries, seeking to bring in around 30% of its electricity demand by 2035. Singapore received 20 proposals to supply it with low-carbon electricity from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos in response to a tender that sought 1.2 gigawatts of lower-carbon electricity imports starting in 2027. The types of power include solar, wind, geothermal and hydro.
Singapore’s high dependence on fossil fuels is becoming an increasing concern. Currently generating 95% of its electricity from natural gas, and handicapped by its tiny land area, the island country had no other option but to seek help abroad.
The plan got off on a bad start last year when Malaysia banned exports of renewable electricity to prioritize its own efforts to decarbonize. Talks are also underway on building an undersea cable to bring in solar power from the north of Australia, and the city-state is keeping its options open on nuclear energy. An advantage for Singapore, however, is its high credit rating as well as the trading it already enables for most countries in its vicinity.
(Sources: Financial Post; Saur Energy International)
