Electricity in Singapore in 2022
In 2022, about 97% of Singapore's electricity is generated from fossil energy, with natural gas accounting for over 93% of it. Low-carbon energy options make up just over 2.5% of the electricity, remarkably less compared to fossil sources. Solar power contributes to around 1.7% while biofuels trail behind at nearly 0.8%. Singapore's electricity production is entirely self-sufficient: it neither imports nor exports electricity from or to other regions.
Suggestions
To increase the share of low-carbon electricity, Singapore can take inspiration from nations successful in embracing such energy sources. Importantly, Singapore could consider the use of nuclear energy, which has notably driven electricity production in countries like France, Ukraine, and Slovakia - they generate 61%, 58%, and 57% of their electricity from nuclear, respectively. Solar and wind power should not be overlooked too. Despite Singapore's small land area that may limit wind power development, efficient solar panels can be installed on numerous rooftops around the city. Case in point, Australia and Chile generate ample electricity from solar energy, contributing up to 13% and 17% respectively to their total electricity production.
History
The journey to low-carbon electricity in Singapore has been a progressive one. Initiating the change back in 1986, biofuels generation increased from just 0.1 TWh to 0.2 TWh by 1991, offering a promising start. The early years of the 21st century saw the introduction of solar energy in 2012, although its impact was not immediate. The growth of biofuels fluctuated through the decade while solar yield remained stable. However, the late 2010s marked a turnaround: solar power started to rise in 2016, reaching 0.3 TWh by 2022. Despite the fluctuating contribution of biofuels, the efforts to increase Singapore's electricity from low-carbon sources are persistent and encouraging.