S’pore gives conditional nod to import solar power from Malaysia

Singapore has given conditional approval to two companies to import a total of 900 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Malaysia, marking a new phase in the nation's pursuit of renewable energy. The move, announced by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) on August 7, involves solar power generated from installations in Johor, Malaysia, along with associated battery energy storage systems. This initiative is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. The approved projects include a 300 MW capacity from Sembcorp Utilities and a 600 MW capacity from Southern Solar Alliance, a subsidiary of Malaysian developer Ditrolic Energy Holdings. Both companies aim to begin commercial operations by 2029. To proceed, they must secure necessary approvals, finalize power purchase agreements, ensure adequate financing, and complete key development milestones. The EMA noted that these steps are essential for moving forward with the projects. The 900 MW of imported electricity is projected to meet the annual energy demands of approximately 1.4 million four-room Housing & Development Board (HDB) households. This addition brings the total number of approved electricity import projects to 13, with a combined capacity of 9.25 gigawatts (GW). These projects span multiple countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Australia, highlighting Singapore’s expanding network of international energy partnerships. Singapore plans to import around 6 GW of electricity by 2035, which would account for roughly a third of its anticipated energy needs during that period. The current approvals align with ongoing efforts to enhance regional energy connectivity and promote sustainable power solutions. A notable example is the earlier conditional approval granted in October 2025 for importing 1 GW of low-carbon electricity, primarily hydropower, from Sarawak to Singapore. In addition, Singapore Energy Interconnections, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, and SP Group recently entered into a Joint Development Agreement to explore a second electricity interconnection capable of handling up to 2 GW of power between Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. The existing interconnection already supports bidirectional flows of up to 1 GW. These developments underscore the growing importance of cross-border energy collaboration in supporting Singapore’s green transition. The EMA emphasized that low-carbon electricity imports play a crucial role in reducing emissions from the power sector, which currently contributes 40 percent of Singapore’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The authority continues to seek credible and commercially viable proposals that support the decarbonization of the national grid. Companies seeking to participate must demonstrate their ability to meet regulatory and operational standards while contributing meaningfully to environmental goals. Sembcorp Utilities outlined plans for a large-scale development at Linggiu Reservoir in Johor, featuring a 2.2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) floating solar photovoltaic system and up to 4.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery storage. This project is designed to serve energy demands in both Singapore and Malaysia, leveraging existing and planned subsea interconnection infrastructure to enable efficient cross-border power transmission. Such initiatives exemplify how regional cooperation can drive innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.