Oral reply to PQ on national grid and energy infrastructure to accommodate new energy sources

Question

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what specific upgrades are planned for the national grid and energy infrastructure to accommodate new energy sources like small modular reactors and ammonia; (b) what is the projected timeline for implementing these upgrades; and (c) how is the Government ensuring that infrastructure and grid readiness align with the commercial availability of these technologies.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng)

1. SP Group is Singapore’s national grid operator. EMA works closely with SP Group to plan for and implement the necessary upgrades and expansion of our grid infrastructure. This helps to ensure a stable and reliable power system in Singapore even as we complement our natural gas power plants with new energy sources such as solar panels, low-carbon electricity imports from the region, and other sources that are still under study.

2. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are still nascent. As we have previously communicated, SMRs have yet to be commercialised. We are closely monitoring developments in SMR technology to assess if and when they may be safe enough and feasible for Singapore.

3. As for ammonia, we are developing an Ammonia Pathfinder project for pilot-scale power generation and marine bunkering. For power generation, the plan is to deploy a 55 – 65 MW ammonia power plant by 2028. The pilot will help us evaluate the feasibility of scaling up ammonia power generation in Singapore. If ammonia power generation becomes feasible, we will naturally consider building the infrastructure required to support this new pathway.