Electricity in Singapore in 2024
In Singapore, the state of electricity consumption in 2024 primarily relies on fossil fuels, with an overwhelming 95% of electricity generated from such sources. Natural gas, in particular, contributes to 92% of this mix. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources, which include biofuels and solar power, make up only about 5% of electricity generation. Biofuels account for around 3%, and solar energy forms just over 2% of total electricity consumption. These figures highlight a significant dependence on fossil resources and an urgent need to shift towards greener and more sustainable sources of electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Singapore?
Electricity consumption per person in Singapore is on the rise, reaching a new high in 2024 with a total of approximately 10,304 kWh per person. This represents an increase of almost 200 kWh per person since 2022. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen improvement, with current figures at 506 kWh per person compared to 449 kWh in 2023. The growth in clean energy indicates a positive movement towards reducing emissions and increasing sustainability in the city-state. Despite this progress, the figures underscore that continued efforts are essential to sustain and accelerate growth in low-carbon electricity to meet Singapore's future energy demands.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Singapore can look to examples from countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, which have succeeded with wind power by achieving more than 20% of their electricity from this source. Although Singapore's geography might limit wind energy potential, these countries' strategies showcase an aggressive adoption of clean energy that could inspire similar efforts in solar power. Additionally, nations like the United Arab Emirates and South Korea have demonstrated the effectiveness of nuclear energy, generating close to a third of their electricity from this low-carbon source. By exploring small modular reactors and prioritizing advancements in solar technology, Singapore can effectively reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, leveraging its urban environment to create sustainable electricity solutions.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Singapore traces back to modest beginnings with biofuels. Starting in 1986, small yet consistent additions were seen throughout the decades. Particularly in the late 2010s, solar power began emerging as a promising clean energy source. The years 2016 and 2018 marked the inception of solar energy contributions, and by 2019, biofuels experienced a substantial boost before slightly declining in 2020. The years 2022 to 2024 witnessed consistent and continuous growth in solar electricity generation. This historical trend emphasizes the potential to significantly increase clean energy output if sustained focus is given to the development and integration of advanced solar technologies and nuclear solutions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.