Singapore solar energy

As part of its efforts to reset its energy supply to be more energy sustainable, Singapore plans to quadruple the number of solar energy deployments: 1.5 GW-peak by 2025 and 2.0 GW-peak by 2030. Less than 1% of electricity is currently generated by solar panels and the aim is to increase it to 3% by 2030.

Singapore wants to green its energy mix to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply. Currently, 95% of the country’s electricity is generated from burning natural gas. Since Singapore does not have access to hydro or wind power and is located on the equator, solar energy is considered the most viable source of renewable energy.

Due to the lack of land area (Singapore is one fifth the size of Rhode Island), there are two ways Singapore is increasing the use of solar panels – on roof tops of both commercial / industrial buildings, on 7,000 government housing blocks, and even on reservoirs. Solar panels on roof tops can help to power lighting in common areas and serve as backup during power failure. Solar panels on reservoirs are being designed and installed as part of a floating solar farm (each floating farm is around the size of 50 soccer fields) ranging from 60-80 MW-peaks capacity to generate and supply electricity from offshore.

Besides developing design, build and operate capability, Singapore has set up the Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator - Singapore (REIDS) on an offshore island to help companies test and fine tune solar cells for temperature, humidity, cloud cover, diffuse lighting and corrosion characteristics.

For more information, please contact Mr. CHAN Yiu Kei at Yiukei.chan@trade.gov