Singapore, meanwhile, is planning to rapidly expand its solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. In fact, projections predict it’ll get to 5.33 gigawatts (GW) by 2035. That number is now at about 1.57 GW with 2024 expected to add about 500 MW of new solar capacity. Future prospect The expected expansion reflects a CAGR of an estimated 11.7% between 2024 and 2035. This highlights the important part solar energy has in helping Singapore meet its short-term renewable energy goals.
This ambitious growth complements the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Its goal is to reach a minimum of 2 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030. The federal government’s support for solar runs deep through programs, initiatives, and policy mechanisms aimed at supporting renewable energy, and specifically solar, expansion.
Key Initiatives Supporting Solar Expansion
A number of initiatives have been introduced to encourage the adoption of solar power in Singapore. The SolarNova programme encourages the deployment of solar PV systems across government sites, while the Simplified Credit Treatment (SCT) scheme streamlines the financing process for solar projects. Further support comes from the Enhanced Central Intermediary Scheme (ECIS), which offers further incentives to solar developers.
These initiatives are important because Singapore is racing to increase solar energy’s share in its distinct urban landscape. As land availability shrinks and demand for electricity increases, these precision policy instruments help to ensure the greatest solar deployment possible.
Decarbonization and Energy Reliability
Reliability with a side of emissions reduction is the main focus of Singapore’s power sector. Despite the push towards renewables, the country remains heavily reliant on natural gas, which accounts for approximately 94-95% of its power generation. Long-term, Singapore is looking at hydrogen as a possible decarbonization solution, as part of that long-term strategy. The National Hydrogen Strategy outlines plans for developing hydrogen-compatible gas plants and pilot projects, providing flexibility for future energy needs beyond 2035.
Additionally, Singapore is taking steps to diversify regionally by conditionally approving imports of low-carbon electricity from regional neighbors. The plan includes the goal of importing up to 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035. This will strengthen and protect our local, clean, renewable energy economy.
Addressing Structural Constraints
Four underlying structural constraints limit the growth of solar energy in Singapore. These are barriers like a lack of domestic energy resources and growing electricity demand. The government’s focus on solar expansion is part of a broader strategy under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which aims to enhance the country’s sustainability and resilience in the face of these challenges.
As Singapore moves forward with its energy landscape, solar PV will undoubtedly continue leading the charge under its growth strategy into renewables. The country is committed to greatly expanding its solar capacity. This dual focus on global sustainability targets and local energy demands in a dense, urban context makes this effort both innovative and worthy of emulation.