Singapore & Indonesia To Collaborate On Low-Carbon Power

Committed To Collaborate On Low-Carbon Power

Singapore will be importing more low-carbon electricity in collaboration with Indonesia. In its effort to further strengthen the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy, Singapore has identified Indonesia as a key partner in this green goal. On Thursday, Senior Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hean announced that Singapore will be issuing conditional approval for low-carbon power from Indonesia. Originally, Singapore had previously agreed to 2 GW (Gigawatts) of imports.

Expanding The Partnership Through Green Energy

An additional 1.4 GW of low-carbon power is now in talks. This would bring the total planned imports to 3.4 GW. The news was recently announced at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum in Jakarta. As of now, five projects based in Indonesia have been given Conditional Licences. The green-lit projects are Pacific Medco Solar Energy Pte Ltd (0.6 GW), Adaro Solar International Pte Ltd (0.4 GW), EDP Renewables APAC (0.4 GW), Vanda RE Pte Ltd (0.3 GW) and Keppel Energy Pte Ltd (0.3 GW).

After receiving Conditional Approval in September 2023, the five projects will undergo marine surveys and feasibility studies. They are expected to be operating in less than four years, by 2028. Following this, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) has also granted Conditional Approvals to two more projects, which are Singa Renewables Pte Ltd (a joint venture between TotalEnergies and RGE, producing 1 GW) and Shell Eastern Trading (Pte.) Ltd (in partnership with Vena Energy, producing 0.4 GW). Minister Teo also added that the two new additions are set to receive their respective Conditional Licences later this year. This marks a significant step forward in realising the full potential of the energy cooperation between the two countries.

Singapore’s Mission To Decarbonise Its Power Sector

This green partnership with Indonesia will assist Singapore to transition to clean energy in its power sector. Currently, the power sector alone produces 40% of Singapore’s carbon emissions. According to EMA, Singapore was to import 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035. However, due to promising developments and increased interest, Singapore now decided to increase 2 GW more. This would total the target to 6 GW.

Apart from low-carbon power, Singapore has a variety of plans to diversify its decarbonisation goals. EMA will be looking into other decarbonisation methods. This includes utilising such as hydrogen, solar, deep geothermal, nuclear power, and carbon capture. All this, while carefully weighing energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability into account.

Bottom Line

Singapore’s decision to expand its imports of low-carbon electricity from Indonesia demonstrates its commitment to a greener future. The increased imports of low-carbon electricity will not only help Singapore achieve its sustainability goals but also provide economic opportunities for Indonesia. This win-win partnership will further Singapore’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint and generate jobs to boost the Indonesian economy.