In a bid to diversify its power supply and utilise clean energy resources, Singapore is aiming to commence a two-year trial of electricity import from Peninsular Malaysia.
Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Monday (26 October) revealed that the Government is aiming to start with 100 megawatts during the period “to see how the market works and to see how the technical challenges can be overcome”.
“This will allow the region to share the clean energy sources that different countries may have,” said Mr Chan on the first day of Singapore International Energy Week at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre today.
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) in a statement today said it plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) by March next year for the aforementioned 100 MW of electricity imports.
“Under this RFP, electricity imports could begin as early as end-2021, via the existing electricity interconnector between Singapore and Malaysia,” said EMA.
The 100 MW of electricity in this trial, said the Authority, “will make up about 1.5% of Singapore’s peak electricity demand”.
Presently, Singapore does not import electricity. A vast majority–over 95 per cent–of the republic’s electricity is generated via imported natural gas mainly from Malaysia and Indonesia.
EMA said today that one importer will be selected through “an open and competitive selection process” for the two-year electricity import trial.
“Potential importers will have to demonstrate their supply reliability, credibility and track record, ability to secure demand from Singapore consumers, and manage the carbon output of generation supply,” said the Authority.
Interested parties can contact EMA at [email protected] for more details.
