Singapore Approves 1 GW Hydropower Import Project from Malaysia

Strategic Insights -

Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) has conditionally approved a 1 GW hydropower import project from Malaysia's Sarawak state, paving the way for the country to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. The project, led by Sembcorp Utilities Pte. Ltd. and Sarawak Energy Berhad, aims to import low-carbon electricity from hydropower sources within Sarawak to Singapore by 2035. This approval marks a significant step towards Singapore's goal of decarbonizing its power sector, with the EMA committed to supporting credible and commercially viable import proposals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 1 GW hydropower import project from Malaysia's Sarawak state has been conditionally approved by Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) to import low-carbon electricity to Singapore by 2035.
  • Sembcorp Utilities Pte. Ltd. and Sarawak Energy Berhad will work together to develop the project, which is expected to reach commercial operations around 2035.
  • The EMA has preliminarily assessed the consortium's project proposal to be technically and commercially viable and will provide regulatory support to continue developing the project.
  • This approval is part of Singapore's efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, with the country currently relying heavily on imported fossil fuels.
  • Singapore has also granted conditional approval to other clean energy import projects, including a 400 MW solar power export from Indonesia's Riau Islands to Singapore in September 2024.
  • The integration of solar and wind energy across Southeast Asia will be crucial to meet the region's growing electricity demand, according to a recent report from the International Energy Agency.

Statistics:

  • 1 GW: The capacity of the hydropower import project approved by Singapore's EMA from Malaysia.
  • 2035: The expected year of first deliveries for the imported electricity from the hydropower project.
  • 400 MW: The capacity of the solar power export project from Indonesia's Riau Islands to Singapore, approved by EMA in September 2024.
  • 2025: The year in which the governments of Singapore and Indonesia signed an agreement to build a solar panel industry in the Riau Islands.

Sources:

  • Energy Market Authority (EMA). Statement on conditional approval of the hydropower import project.
  • "Regional Cooperation for Clean Energy Trading in Southeast Asia". International Energy Agency.
  • International Solar Energy Society. Analysis on importing solar energy from nearby nations to Singapore.
  • Shell and Vena Energy. Press release on the conditional approval of the 400 MW solar power export project from Indonesia to Singapore.
  • Government of Singapore and Government of Indonesia. Agreement to build a solar panel industry in the Riau Islands (June 2025).