Singapore to begin two-year electricity import trial from Peninsular Malaysia

SINGAPORE — Singapore will be embarking on a two-year trial for electricity imports from Peninsular Malaysia to the republic, according to the Energy Market Authority (EMA).

"To meet our climate change commitments, there is a need to change the way Singapore produces and uses energy. Tapping on regional power grids for cleaner energy resources is one strategy to further diversify Singapore’s energy supply," said EMA on its website.

EMA said the trial aims to assess and refine the technical and regulatory frameworks for importing electricity into Singapore.

"This would help facilitate larger-scale imports from the region in future," it said.

EMA said it planned to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) by March 2021 for 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity imports.

"This will make up about 1.5 per cent of Singapore’s peak electricity demand," said the authority.

Under the RFP, EMA said electricity imports could begin as early as end-2021, via the existing electricity interconnector between Singapore and Malaysia.

EMA noted that one importer will be selected through an open and competitive selection process.

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.

Interested parties can contact EMA at [email protected] for more details.

Regional power grids are one of the four switches for power supply in Singapore’s Energy Story towards a more reliable, affordable and cleaner energy future. — Bernama, October 26, 2020