Singapore Seeks Renewable Energy Imports

Singapore is facing a growing energy demand due to the expansion of data centers, which currently account for 7% of its electricity consumption and are projected to rise to 12% by 2030. To meet its energy needs and achieve its carbon goals—peaking emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050—the city-state is looking to import renewable energy from Australia and Malaysia. A newly announced solar farm in Australia aims to deliver two gigawatts of power via an undersea cable. However, Singapore lacks the capacity for local wind or hydropower generation and plans to import 1 GW from Cambodia, 2 GW from Indonesia, and 1.2 GW from Vietnam. While renewable sources are expected to constitute at least 30% of Singapore's electricity by 2035, challenges remain, including transmission distances and regulatory approvals from various countries. Experts warn of potential complications related to environmental impacts and energy intermittency as Singapore navigates these ambitious energy imports.