Singapore and the U.S. are strengthening cooperation to meet growing electricity demand while bolstering energy security. Rising demand from artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres is adding urgency to efforts to expand infrastructure and strengthen regional electricity links.
These priorities were highlighted at the Spotlight U.S. Forum by H.E. Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, Singapore. H.E. Anjani Sinha, US Ambassador to Singapore, also delivered welcome remarks.
Investing ahead of rising electricity demand
H.E. Ms Gan pointed to the urgency of expanding energy infrastructure. Citing International Energy Agency estimates, she noted that global data centre electricity demand grew by 17 percent in 2025 and could double by 2030. Grid constraints could also delay around 20 percent of planned data centre capacity.
To prepare for growing demand, Singapore is undertaking its largest energy infrastructure expansion in decades.
As part of these efforts, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore unveiled its first five-year energy infrastructure plan at SIEW 2026. Five new power plants, designed to accommodate hydrogen as a fuel, are expected by 2031. They would increase installed generation capacity by about 26 percent.
Singapore is also using technology to improve grid reliability. The country's Grid Digital Twin is a virtual model of its electricity network. Using AI and advanced analytics, the model helps detect faults earlier and supports maintenance, H.E. Ms Gan noted.
Reliable electricity supply also depends on access to diverse energy sources. H.E. Dr Sinha pointed to US liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a way to diversify Singapore's supply and strengthen resilience.
Singapore is also studying nuclear energy's potential and building its assessment capabilities with US support, H.E. Ms Gan said. Advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), could provide reliable electricity, said H.E. Dr Sinha. However, he stressed that any deployment would require rigorous safety assessments and public confidence.
Strengthening regional energy connectivity
Regional electricity trade offers another avenue for diversifying energy supplies. The ASEAN Power Grid aims to facilitate cross-border electricity trade, allowing countries to access electricity supplies from across the region. H.E. Ms Gan pointed to progress on ASEAN submarine cable regulatory guidelines.
Singapore and the U.S. are also advancing the second phase of a joint Feasibility study on regional energy connectivity. It examines infrastructure, regulatory and financing arrangements for cross-border electricity trade.
For such projects to attract investment, H.E. Dr Sinha emphasised the importance of clear rules, fair pricing and dependable agreements. These could also help reduce risks.
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