Electricity in Singapore in 2024
In 2024, Singapore's electricity consumption is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with fossil energy sources making up about 95% of the entire electricity generation, and gas alone contributing over 92%. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources account for a modest 5% of total electricity production. Within the low-carbon segment, biofuels contribute around 3% and solar power at just over 2%. This highlights the need for a significant shift towards more sustainable and clean energy sources to help reduce reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels that significantly contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Singapore?
Electricity consumption in Singapore has seen a slight upward trend, highlighting a positive direction in energy use. The total consumption per person in 2024 stands at over 10,400 kWh, an increase from the previous record of around 10,100 kWh in 2022. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person increased positively, reaching about 511 kWh, which is up by 62 kWh from the previous high in 2023. Such growth indicates both an increasing demand for electricity and, more optimistically, a slight shift towards more sustainable energy practices, although the progress remains insufficient given the global call for greener energy solutions.
Suggestions
To augment its low-carbon electricity generation, Singapore can draw lessons from regions with successful renewable and nuclear integration. Solar power can be a game changer for the city-state, mirroring Cyprus with its 22% solar energy output and Greece at 25%. Similarly, expanding nuclear power, as seen in France and Slovakia, which generate around 69% and 64% of their electricity from nuclear, can significantly bolster Singapore's clean energy portfolio. This dual approach not only aligns with Singapore's energy needs but also aids in significantly reducing carbon emissions, setting a progressive precedent in green energy adoption.
History
Looking back, Singapore has seen a gradual increase in low-carbon electricity generation over decades. The 1980s and early 1990s marked the dawn of biofuels, with incremental growth. More substantially, biofuels saw marked advancement in 2019 and 2022. Solar power, on the other hand, has made steady gains since 2016, witnessing notable increments from 2021 to 2024. These developments reflect a growing acknowledgment of the importance of solar energy, but significant investments remain essential to achieve meaningful nationwide electrification goals through clean energy.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.