Singapore Surpasses Solar Target Ahead of Schedule
Singapore has impressively met its 2025 solar target two years early, with solar energy now accounting for 4% of the nation’s peak electricity demand. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has announced that Singapore’s installed solar capacity has reached 631.1 MWp, equating to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 200,000 four-room HDB flats. This milestone marks a 25% increase from the previous year and showcases a more than 17-fold increase in solar capacity since 2014.
The rapid growth in solar capacity is attributed to Singapore’s strategic efforts to maximize solar installations in land-scarce areas, such as rooftops, reservoirs, and offshore spaces. Innovative solutions include deploying solar panels on structures such as the Tuas South Incineration Plant and the Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant. Notably, Singapore has also established one of the world’s largest inland floating solar farms at Tengeh Reservoir and the largest offshore floating solar farm at Woodlands Waterfront Park.
Advancing Singapore’s Solar Target and Renewable Energy Goals
According to the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), the nation’s solar landscape is primarily dominated by rooftop installations, which account for over 90% of the total solar capacity. As part of its Green Plan, Singapore aims to achieve 2 GWp of solar capacity by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. To support these ambitious targets, the EMA has introduced initiatives such as the Central Intermediary Scheme (CIS), designed to promote the development of utility-scale solar projects. The CIS aims to decrease electricity bills for households and small businesses by 1.5% to 4.5% annually over a five-year period.
EMA Chief Executive Ngiam Shih Chun emphasized the importance of solar energy in transitioning Singapore towards a greener energy mix. He noted that solar power is a cornerstone of Singapore’s decarbonization efforts and that the country will continue to invest in innovative solutions to maximize solar deployment. Ngiam also highlighted the role of the CIS in accelerating solar energy adoption and supporting Singapore’s renewable energy objectives.
Singapore’s focus on solar energy forms part of a broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on imported natural gas. The country is also exploring other renewable energy options, such as hydrogen and wind energy, as part of its long-term energy planning. Besides renewable energy, Singapore is investing in energy storage solutions and grid infrastructure to support the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. The EMA is collaborating with industry partners to develop and test new technologies that will enhance the reliability and resilience of Singapore’s energy system. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that the country can meet its future energy needs while minimizing its environmental impact.
Singapore’s achievement of its 2025 solar target ahead of schedule underscores its commitment to renewable energy and its capacity for innovation in the face of unique challenges. As the country continues to expand its solar capacity and explore new energy solutions, it remains on track to meet its long-term sustainability goals and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
For more insights into Singapore’s solar power market, visit Singapore Solar News Archives or check out the Singapore Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.