Electricity in Singapore in 2024
In 2024, fossil energy remains the dominant source for electricity in Singapore, accounting for around 95% of total electricity generation. A large portion of this, more than 90%, comes from gas, which continues to be the backbone of the country's energy supply. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources collectively contribute just under 5% to Singapore's electricity mix. Among these sources, biofuels and solar power each make up roughly 2-3%, indicating a gap in the transition to cleaner energy. This reliance on fossil fuels, particularly gas, underscores the challenges Singapore faces in its path toward a more sustainable electricity generation framework.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Singapore?
Electricity consumption in Singapore has seen growth, with the latest figures indicating an average of 10,400 kWh per person in 2024. This is an increase from the previous high set in 2022, representing a rise of 293 kWh per person. Notably, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen improvement, reaching 511 kWh per person, which marks a rise of 62 kWh from 2023. These upward trends in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption highlight a positive trajectory, but they also accentuate the necessity for accelerated action to expand clean energy sources to match the pace of overall consumption growth.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Singapore can look to successful regions worldwide for inspiration. Countries such as France and Slovakia achieve a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating its potential for reliable and large-scale low-carbon generation. Similarly, states like California and countries such as Chile serve as examples where solar power is harnessed effectively. Integrating solar and nuclear power into Singapore's energy strategy can help shift away from its heavy reliance on fossil energy while mitigating climate change impacts and addressing air pollution issues. Enhanced solar capacity, paired with a strategic move into nuclear power, holds promise for a cleaner and more sustainable electricity supply that can meet future demands.
History
Historically, Singapore's journey with low-carbon electricity generation has seen gradual but measured progress. Developments began in 1986 with biofuels, marking a starting point for clean energy efforts. In the 2010s, both biofuels and solar energy experienced minor growth, with solar picking up some momentum post-2016. Notably, a significant increase was observed in 2019 for biofuels, though it was tempered by a slight decline the following year. Solar energy, however, displayed steady growth in recent years, with promising increases from 2022 onward. This historical context underscores a vital need for more aggressive expansion of solar and nuclear power to fuel a green electricity future in Singapore.
