5 Key Announcements at SIEW 2021

At the opening of SIEW 2021, Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, outlined the ways Singapore can capitalise on new opportunities to advance the energy transition. Key announcements made during the event include:

1. 12 projects awarded S$55 million to accelerate decarbonisation in Singapore

   Singapore is actively exploring low carbon energy technologies to meet emission targets in 2050 and beyond. The Singapore government has awarded S$55 million to support 12 research, development and demonstration projects on low carbon energy technology solutions—with a focus on hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) capabilities. These solutions have been identified as having the potential to help reduce Singapore’s carbon footprint in the longer term.

2. EMA, JTC issue S$6 million open call to accelerate clean energy innovations on Jurong Island

   Jurong Island will soon serve as a testbed for innovation and model for sustainable technology adoption. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) and JTC have jointly launched the Jurong Island Renewable Energy Request for Proposals (RFP) to accelerate the development of clean energy innovations for implementation on the island. The RFP is aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and will support innovations in the areas of renewable energy, energy storage systems and low carbon solutions.

3. EMA, Envision Digital ink S$4 million partnership to grow local energy companies’ digital expertise

   Through the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), a Net Zero Startup Challenge launched by Envision Digital aims to provide energy startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with mentorship, systems training and certifications to help grow their digital proficiencies. Shortlisted companies will have the opportunity to apply for post-programme R&D funding provided by EMA to further develop their solutions.

4. Singapore on track to achieving solar target of at least 2GWp by 2030

   Despite the pandemic, Singapore is on track to quadruple its solar panel deployment and achieve its target of at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of installed capacity by 2030—equivalent to powering 350,000 households a year. Efforts include trialling the use of vertical solar panels on external walls of buildings to overcome land constraints. Minister Gan said Singapore will review plans to further accelerate solar deployment in the country.

5. Singapore aims to import up to 4GW of low carbon electricity by 2035

   Singapore will be issuing two RFPs for up to a total of 4GW of low carbon electricity imports by 2035. This is expected to comprise around 30% of its electricity supply by then. Regional power grids will be "a key needle-mover" in Singapore's energy transition in the near to medium term. This will allow the country to overcome its geographical constraints and access cleaner energy resources. It will also help to enhance Singapore's energy security through diversifying energy supply sources.

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