Amid a global push for greener energy solutions, Singapore has taken another leap toward ensuring a sustainable energy mix. The latest chapter in the nation’s commitment to low-carbon electricity imports sees the conditional approval of a significant 1.2GW electricity import from Vietnam.
A Green Step Forward
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) has recently granted a conditional nod to Sembcorp Utilities, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, to import 1.2GW of electricity from Vietnam. This decision is pivotal in Singapore’s overarching goal to import up to 4GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.
The conditional green light suggests that Sembcorp Utilities’ venture has successfully passed initial assessments in terms of its technical and commercial feasibility.
Regional Collaborations in Focus
During his address at the Asia Clean Energy Summit, part of the Singapore International Energy Week, Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Tan See Leng, shed light on this latest development.
Interestingly, Vietnam isn’t the first country Singapore has partnered with in this realm. EMA has previously granted similar approvals for electricity imports from Cambodia and Indonesia, bringing in 1GW and 2GW respectively. These imports are driven by a blend of renewable energy sources, encompassing solar energy, hydropower, and wind power.
Given Singapore’s limited access to renewable energy resources, these import partnerships open the door to cleaner energy sources from regional neighbors. Moreover, these regional power grid collaborations hold the potential to spur renewable energy growth in Southeast Asia, drive economic progression, and shift the energy dependence away from fossil fuels.
Trial and Progress
EMA’s proactive approach has involved collaborating on electricity import trials to fine-tune the requisite technical and regulatory frameworks. A case in point is the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which kicked off last June. Through this initiative, Singapore began importing up to 100MW of renewable hydropower from Lao PDR, facilitated via Thailand and Malaysia.
Dr. Tan, doubling as the Manpower Minister, emphasized the significance of this project, stating it epitomizes the potential of cross-border electricity trading across Southeast Asia. “Since its inception, about 270GW hours of electricity has flowed from Lao PDR to Singapore. Discussions are now underway among the four countries to amplify this project, which includes trading beyond the 100MW mark and ensuring seamless electricity flow in all possible directions.”
This pioneering initiative stands out as Singapore’s inaugural renewable energy import and marks the first multilateral cross-border electricity trade encompassing four ASEAN nations.
Conclusion
Singapore’s steady strides toward diversifying its energy sources underscore its dedication to a more sustainable future. By collaborating with regional partners, the nation not only bolsters its own energy security but also fortifies the green energy infrastructure within Southeast Asia.
Also learn about Singapore Explores Nuclear Energy: A Future Option and Singapore Spearheads the Future of Clean Energy with Ammonia.
