Based on the data for 2023, Singapore's electricity consumption is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, with a whopping 98.2% reliance. The fossil fuel circle's lion's share comes from gas, which accounts for 96.03% of the total energy mix. On the other side of the coin, clean, low-carbon energy sources contribute just a fraction, standing at 1.64%. Among these low-carbon energy types, solar power emerges as the sole contributor, also making up 1.64% of the total.
Singapore has a golden chance to increase its low-carbon electricity generation by following in the footsteps of countries that have successfully implemented it. Notably, France and Slovakia lead the pack with significant contributions from nuclear energy, covering 66% and 61% of their electricity demands, respectively. Singapore, like these countries, possesses a highly developed infrastructure and a compact, urbanized landscape, factors that pose a conducive environment for nuclear power plants. Denmark and Ireland have also demonstrated impressive results with wind power, meeting nearly 60% and 35% of their respective electric needs. Although Singapore has limited land, it boasts high-rise buildings apt for wind turbines and has proximate offshore areas that could be harnessed for wind farms.
The timeline of low-carbon electricity in Singapore dates back over three decades, with an early focus on biofuels. This began in 1986, with a minor contribution of 0.1 TWh. The usage of biofuels saw a steady albeit slow increase, with another increment of 0.1 TWh noticed in 2014 and 2019. Coherently, the push for solar energy started in 2012 but remained dormant until 2016, when generation recorded a modest rise of 0.1 TWh. From 2020 onwards, solar energy kicked into high gear, showcasing a year-on-year improvement. By 2022, solar energy generation had tripled from the initial 0.1 Twh in 2016, indicating a promising trend for the future of low-carbon electricity generation in Singapore.