Electricity in Singapore in 2024
In 2024, electricity consumption in Singapore is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 95% of the supply coming from these sources, predominantly gas at over 92%. Meanwhile, low-carbon or clean energy sources make up close to 5% of the total electricity generation. Among these, biofuels contribute nearly 3%, while solar energy accounts for just over 2%. This highlights a significant dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to issues like climate change and air pollution. The relatively low share of clean electricity underscores the need for Singapore to further diversify its energy mix to include more sustainable options.
Is Electricity Growing in Singapore?
The recent data shows that electricity consumption per person in Singapore is on the rise, with the latest figures in 2024 reaching 10,400 kWh. This represents an increase of 293 kWh per person compared to the previous record set in 2022, indicating a positive trend in growth that aligns with the increasing demands of electrification and technological advancement. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation also improved, as it reached 511 kWh per person in 2024, a notable rise from 2023's record of 449 kWh per person. This growth demonstrates Singapore's incremental advancements in clean energy sources, although there is significant room for further improvement.
Suggestions
To augment low-carbon electricity generation, Singapore can glean valuable insights from regions excelling in this area. For example, France generates a staggering 68% of its electricity through nuclear power, while Denmark harnesses wind energy for 52% of its electricity needs. Singapore could emulate these successes by investing in both solar and nuclear power. Solar energy, as implemented in Greece and Spain, contributes over 20% to their electricity, showcasing its viability in regions with abundant sunlight. A strategic investment in solar and nuclear power infrastructure could drastically enhance Singapore's clean electricity share, ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
Singapore's journey with low-carbon electricity dates back several decades, beginning with small increments in biofuel generation during the late 20th century. From 1986 to the early 2000s, biofuel usage grew gradually, peaking in 2001 with an increase of 0.2 TWh. During the 2010s, both biofuels and solar energy showed modest growth, particularly from 2013 onwards. The year 2019 marked a significant boost, with biofuels increasing by 1.1 TWh. More recently, from 2021 to 2024, solar energy increased consistently, adding 0.3 TWh yearly. These trends illustrate a gradual, but steady shift towards utilizing low-carbon energy, underscoring the potential for future expansion in clean energy sectors like solar and nuclear.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.