SINGAPORE: In a major boost to Singapore's clean energy ambitions, PacificLight Power (PLP) announced on Friday, January 3, that it has received the green light from the Singapore government to construct a groundbreaking hydrogen-fuelled gas power plant on Jurong Island.

This pivotal project is essential to Singapore's strategy for decarbonizing its electricity supply, which is predominantly reliant on natural gas.

Development Details

With the endorsement from the Energy Market Authority (EMA), PLP is set to develop, own, and operate a state-of-the-art combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facility designed to generate a substantial 600 megawatts (MW) of power starting from January 2029.

This ambitious addition to Singapore’s energy landscape marks a significant upgrade to PLP’s current operations, which includes an existing CCGT unit that has been providing 830 MW of power since 2014.

Hydrogen Integration

Excitingly, the new plant, which will be built on a freshly designated site, is engineered to be hydrogen-ready, initially incorporating at least 30% hydrogen in its fuel mix upon commissioning and evolving to utilize 100% hydrogen in the future.

PLP also plans to integrate a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into the facility, enhancing its efficiency and reliability.

Future Prospects

Moreover, there is potential for the site to accommodate a second CCGT unit, with future possibilities of integrating innovative carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, further supporting Singapore's ambitions for a cleaner environment.

In the immediate term, PLP is also in the midst of constructing a Fast Start power generating unit designed to deliver 100 MW of power by the second quarter of 2025.

Leadership Statements

These rapid-response units are crucial for maintaining a steady power supply during unforeseen disruptions.

We are honored that EMA has selected PacificLight to deliver two critical projects: the 100MW Fast Start Project and now the opportunity to develop this advanced hydrogen-ready power plant,” declared Yu Tat Ming, CEO of PacificLight. “By embracing hydrogen-ready and battery storage technologies, our new facility will be at the vanguard of Singapore’s transition to a low-carbon future. We are committed to executing this project safely and on schedule.”

Collaborations for Clean Energy

In tandem with these advancements, PLP is collaborating with Indonesia’s Medco Power Global and Singapore-based Gallant Venture to develop a landmark project to import 600 MW of solar energy from Indonesia's Bulan Island, further diversifying Singapore’s energy sources.

Addressing Electricity Demand

As electricity demand in Singapore continues to surge—driven by the booming advanced manufacturing sector and the electrification of transportation—emphasis on a transition to greener energy sources has never been more critical.

Currently, around 95% of Singapore's electricity is generated using imported natural gas, and the nation is striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Hydrogen Future

By 2030, Singapore is projected to house at least nine hydrogen-compatible power plants.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has announced that hydrogen could potentially meet half of the nation's energy demands by 2050.

Industry Initiatives

Recent initiatives by Keppel Infrastructure and YTL PowerSeraya to develop their hydrogen-ready power plants by 2026 and 2027 respectively, highlight a collective drive towards renewable energy solutions in the region.

Regulatory Insights

EMA officials have stressed that additional power generation capacity will be indispensable by 2029 to meet the projected growth in electricity demand and ensure system reliability.

With rising energy demand, it is imperative to ensure adequate generation to power our daily lives. We eagerly anticipate the new hydrogen-ready generation capacity from PacificLight Power,” stated EMA chief executive Puah Kok Keong.

Investment in Future Energy

Under the newly established Centralised Process, EMA is enhancing support for private investment in new generation capacities, demonstrating a strategic foresight into future energy needs and the evolving energy landscape.

Conclusion

Get ready for a greener, sustainable energy environment as PacificLight Power leads the charge into the hydrogen era—setting a precedent not just for Singapore, but for energy sectors globally!