S’pore to tap diverse energy sources, explore new tech, to weather resource nationalism: Tan See Leng

On October 26, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) revealed that Singapore possesses an estimated geothermal resource potential exceeding 60 times the nation’s current annual electricity consumption. These preliminary findings emerged from a non-invasive geophysical survey conducted between 2024 and 2026. The survey identified high-temperature geothermal resources situated several kilometers underground, which may prove suitable for electricity generation. With Singapore’s present annual electricity usage standing at approximately 60 terawatt-hours, the authority stated that further studies are necessary to validate these estimates and determine the feasible extraction rates. Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng addressed the public at the Singapore International Energy Week 2026, describing the initial results as a very good start. He noted that if realized, geothermal energy could sustain Singapore’s power needs for roughly 60 years. The nationwide survey was executed by a consortium of global consultants, including Chevron, Metatek Group, and Surbana Jurong. The team employed two non-invasive techniques to construct three-dimensional geological and heat resource models of the island. Metatek Group handled data acquisition and processing, while Chevron utilized the processed data to finalize the 3D models. The assessment focused on geothermal resources at depths reaching up to 10 kilometers for power generation purposes. Additionally, the consortium evaluated lower-temperature resources at shallower depths, which might support industrial heating and cooling via heat pumps and absorption chillers. Following the release of these preliminary findings, the EMA announced the commencement of the next phase of investigations. A new consortium, formed by Surbana Jurong and GLJ Ltd, has been appointed to study the potential deployment of next-generation geothermal plants. This 15-month study is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026. Its scope includes assessing safety considerations, technical viability, and the cost of geothermal energy production. The investigation will also evaluate the technical, environmental, and commercial feasibility of deploying deep geothermal systems. The consortium intends to identify specific areas for further assessment, potentially utilizing invasive methods such as drilling. Dr. Tan emphasized that the path forward would not be straightforward due to the depth of the resources. He stated that the eventual volume of electricity generated depends on extraction costs, technical feasibility, and advancements in deep drilling technology. The dense urban environment of Singapore will also constrain the number of geothermal power plants that can be feasibly deployed. Safety remains a primary concern, according to the minister. EMA Chief Executive Puah Kok Keong characterized geothermal energy as an indigenous source of clean energy capable of providing constant power. He suggested that if proven viable, it would strengthen energy resilience and aid in the decarbonization of the power sector. However, Dr. Tan clarified that Singapore has not yet decided to deploy geothermal power, noting that such a decision could take many years. He affirmed that no option is off the table and that the government will explore this avenue seriously. The announcement coincides with broader efforts to secure energy amidst a challenging global landscape marked by supply crunches and rising resource nationalism. On October 26, two days prior to the conference, Indonesia reduced natural gas supplies to Singapore. The EMA later clarified that the reduction amounted to less than 2 percent of the Republic’s total daily gas demand. Singapore currently relies on natural gas for approximately 95 percent of its energy needs. While initially all gas imports were piped from neighboring countries, about half is now imported as liquefied natural gas from global sources, including the United States and Australia. To mitigate risks, the EMA mandates that power plants retain the capability to run on diesel, allowing access to national reserves during severe disruptions. In response to these challenges, Singapore signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia on October 26 to store Saudi crude oil in the Jurong Rock Caverns starting in the second half of 2027. Located 150 meters beneath Jurong Island, the facility offers a total storage capacity of 1.47 million cubic meters, equivalent to 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Dr. Tan highlighted the need to diversify energy sources and ensure robust infrastructure to maintain system resilience and competitiveness. He quoted a Chinese saying, stating that while disruptions cannot always be predicted, preparation ensures readiness. Technical experts have raised concerns regarding the extraction methods required for Singapore’s specific geology. Unlike volcanically active regions such as Iceland, Singapore’s resources likely reside in dry, unfractured hot rocks. Harnessing this energy may require deep geothermal systems that inject fluid into the ground to heat it before pumping it back to the surface. Mark Lim, an adjunct research scientist at the Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University, warned that this method involves widening existing fractures or creating new ones, carrying risks of tremors and earthquakes. An alternative approach involves installing closed-loop pipe systems underground, where fluid circulates to absorb heat without mixing with the rock. Simultaneously, the government unveiled a five-year plan to expand the power system, described by Dr. Tan as the most significant build-up of energy infrastructure in decades. The plan includes five new power plants, seven new substations, additional underground transmission cables, and potential infrastructure on offshore Pulau Tekong. It also targets tripling the capacity of energy storage systems to one gigawatt-hour. Emerging technologies, including nuclear and geothermal energy, are being explored to supplement traditional sources. A 2022 report indicated that such emerging technologies could supply around 10 percent of Singapore’s energy needs by 2050, reducing reliance on imported fuels and enhancing domestic energy security.