The Sunny Side of Singapore

Living in Singapore, it’s easy to take the flick of a switch for granted. The city hums around us, a vibrant testament to reliable energy. But have you ever paused, perhaps during a quiet evening stroll as the city lights begin to sparkle, to think about where that energy truly comes from?

For most of our recent history, and even today, that answer is overwhelmingly natural gas. As of early 2025, official figures from Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) show that natural gas still fuels approximately 94% of our electricity generation. It’s been the cleaner workhorse that powered our growth, a significant step up from the oil of decades past.

Yet, standing on this Little Red Dot, a nation defined by innovation and foresight, we’re acutely aware of our unique energy “trilemma”: ensuring energy security, maintaining economic competitiveness, and fostering environmental sustainability. We don’t have the sprawling lands for vast wind farms or the roaring rivers for hydropower.

Our most abundant, and perhaps most democratic, renewable resource is the very sunshine that bathes our HDB rooftops, glints off our reservoirs, and warms our city streets.

This isn’t just an abstract policy; it’s a visible transformation. Most have seen the growing expanses of solar panels appearing on HDB flats, schools, community buildings, and even floating gracefully on our reservoirs, like the Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm. Singapore has already surpassed its 2025 target of 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar deployment and, as of early 2025, is pushing towards its ambitious goal of at least 2 GWp by 2030—enough to power around 350,000 households annually. This progress is a testament to a nationwide effort, from governmental initiatives like to private sector innovation.

While solar alone won’t meet all our energy needs—projected to be about 10% of our demand by 2050—it represents a critical pillar in our “Energy Story” and our journey under the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It’s a tangible step towards a more sustainable future, a commitment made not just in global forums but one that’s increasingly part of our everyday landscape.

Download free report: An ASEAN energy snapshot that delves into the burgeoning renewable energy landscape across key Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore’s. It explores the potential, the forecasts, and the unique journeys each country is undertaking.