Introduction

While there are no regulations stipulating use of renewable energy as yet, Singapore is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.¹ Despite being an alternative energy disadvantaged island city-state, Singapore is adopting² the following strategies to increase domestic supply of low-carbon energy:

• Maximizing solar deployment toward the target of at least two GWp of installed solar capacity by 2030
• Importing up to four gigawatts (GW) of low-carbon electricity by 2035, which is around 30% of Singapore's projected electricity demand (Presently, the Singapore government has awarded conditional approvals for up to three GW of low-carbon electricity to be imported from Cambodia and Indonesia.)
• Accelerating the exploration of low carbon alternatives:
  • Plans under the National Hydrogen Strategy 2022 for hydrogen to complement and diversify Singapore's power mix alongside solar, imported electricity and other potential low-carbon energy sources (Depending on technological developments and the development of other energy sources, hydrogen could supply up to half of Singapore's power needs by 2050.)
  • Assessing the submissions from our expression of interest for low-carbon ammonia power generation and bunkering
  • Undertaking a nationwide study to assess Singapore's potential for deep geothermal and carbon sequestration

The BCA has also conducted research on the target of greening 80% of the building stock by 2030. The Super Low Energy Building Technology Roadmap identified potential solutions from enhanced existing technologies and emerging research, development and demonstration (RD&D) initiatives and concluded the following:

• Achieving SLE with 60% energy efficiency improvement (from 2005 levels) is technically feasible with best-in-class technologies today.
• Further technological advancements and RD&D will be needed to reach 80% energy efficiency improvement, to make SLE both technically feasible and economically viable for mainstream adoption by 2030.

For JTC estates, buildings and vacant land, solar deployment is mandatory for the following:

• New and renewed land/land-based facilities
• Assignment/transfer or redevelopment of the land/land-based facilities
• Sites with at least 800 m2 of available contiguous rooftop area and 15 years of remaining lease term or more

Where the above conditions are not met, the JTC lessee can adopt solar deployment voluntarily. JTC's consent is required for any addition and alteration works to the land/land-based facilities.³

[1] See Strategy Group, Prime Minister's Office: Singapore Commits to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050 and to a Revised 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution; Public Sector and Jurong Lake District to Lead The Way with Net Zero Targets; 25 October 2022.

[2] Written answers by the minister for trade and industry of Singapore to question: Growing Renewable Energy Adoption To Meet Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Pledge; 19 September 2023.

[3] See JTC: Managing tenancy or lease: Solar deployment.