In 2025, Singapore's electricity consumption presents a clear reliance on fossil energy, accounting for almost all its electricity generation. Fossil fuels, primarily in the form of gas, make up more than 95% of the electricity mix. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources are significantly underrepresented, with solar energy being the only notable contributor, at slightly less than 3%. This stark imbalance indicates an overwhelming dependence on fossil fuels, which can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change problems. The current energy mix underscores the urgent need for Singapore to diversify its electricity generation towards more sustainable options like solar and nuclear energy.

Is Electricity Growing in Singapore?

Singapore's electricity consumption is on an upward trend, albeit modestly. The 2025 per capita consumption reached approximately 10,483 kWh, just 83 kWh more than its previous peak in 2024. This increase suggests a gradual growth in electricity demand, possibly driven by expanding industrial activities and higher standards of living. However, this positive growth in overall electricity use is overshadowed by a concerning decline in low-carbon electricity. The per capita low-carbon electricity generation saw a significant drop to 285 kWh in 2025 from 511 kWh in 2024—a reduction of 226 kWh. This decline in clean energy generation raises environmental and sustainability concerns and highlights the pressing need to boost low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Singapore can look towards successful regions that have effectively integrated clean energy sources into their grids. Countries like France and Slovakia provide excellent examples of leveraging nuclear power, with over 65% of their electricity coming from this stable and efficient clean energy source. Similarly, states such as Nevada and California illustrate the potential of solar energy, contributing more than 30% of their electricity generation. Singapore, with its ample sunlight, stands to gain significantly from expanding its solar capacity. By investing in both solar technologies and considering nuclear energy as a reliable base-load source, Singapore can reduce its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, decrease its carbon footprint, and move towards a more sustainable electricity future.

History

Historically, Singapore's progress in low-carbon electricity generation has been slow but has seen some strides in recent years, particularly with solar energy. Biofuels contributed marginally in the mid-1980s and then again from 2013 onwards, with some minor fluctuations. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, there was a noticeable but modest increase in solar power, with consistent annual growth from 2016 onwards. This period experienced several years of incremental increases, notably in 2022, when solar energy generation rose by approximately 0.3 TWh annually. However, the overall pace of adopting low-carbon energy sources has been cautious. The significant rise in solar capacity in 2025, with an increase of 0.4 TWh, reflects a growing commitment to sustainable electricity generation, though there is room for more ambitious and rapid expansion. The historical data suggests that to meet future energy demands sustainably, Singapore should continue to invest aggressively in expanding its solar capabilities and consider other proven clean energy sources like nuclear.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade