Singapore Faces Challenge Meeting 6 GW Clean Power Target by 2035

Singapore aims to import 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, but project financing and construction delays could threaten the target.

Singapore Faces Challenge Meeting 2035 Low-Carbon Electricity Import Target

By News National Editorial Team

Singapore may face difficulties achieving its target of importing around 6 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035, according to a new assessment by energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

The target is a major part of Singapore's strategy to reduce emissions while maintaining energy security in a country with limited domestic renewable-energy resources.

Singapore's Energy Market Authority says the country aims to import around 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, equivalent to about one-third of projected electricity demand at that time.

However, Wood Mackenzie has warned that Singapore's approved projects face challenges in moving from regulatory approval to actual construction and commercial operation. Reuters reported that no projects covered by the latest assessment had yet reached financial closure or begun construction.

More than 9 GW conditionally approved

Singapore's government has made substantial progress in developing potential cross-border electricity imports.

The Ministry of Energy and Trade and Industry said in September 2026 that Singapore had awarded Conditional Approvals to 13 projects representing 9.25 GW of potential low-carbon electricity imports from Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Six Indonesian projects had progressed to Conditional Licences.

The figures show that Singapore has approved more potential capacity than the 6 GW target. But conditional approval does not automatically mean that a project will be built and begin supplying electricity.

Projects must still overcome technical, regulatory, financing and commercial challenges.

Why Singapore needs imported electricity

Singapore has very limited land for large-scale renewable-energy development. The government therefore views regional electricity imports as an important way to expand access to cleaner power.

The Energy Market Authority says regional power connections can also support the wider ASEAN Power Grid and encourage renewable-energy development in neighbouring countries.

Singapore is also continuing to rely heavily on natural gas while developing other energy sources. The Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry says natural gas currently supplies around 95% of the country's electricity generation.

Indonesia and regional connections

Indonesia is an important part of Singapore's plans. Several Indonesian projects have already advanced through Singapore's regulatory process, while Singapore is also working with Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Australia on other potential electricity-import routes.

The approach is intended to diversify Singapore's electricity supply instead of relying on a single external source.

The challenge ahead

Singapore's 2035 target is therefore not simply a question of approving enough projects. Developers must secure financing, negotiate commercially viable power-purchase arrangements, obtain approvals in source and transit countries, and construct the necessary generation and transmission infrastructure.

The Wood Mackenzie assessment highlights the gap between planned capacity and operational capacity.

Singapore's government continues to state that it is progressing projects and will balance energy security, sustainability and cost competitiveness as the electricity-import programme develops.

News National Verification

Confirmed: Singapore's 2035 target is approximately 6 GW of low-carbon electricity imports; 9.25 GW of potential capacity has received Conditional Approvals as of August 2026.

Assessment: Wood Mackenzie has warned about delays between approvals and actual project development.

Important clarification: Conditional approval does not mean the electricity is already being imported.

Sources: Singapore Energy Market Authority; Singapore Ministry of Energy and Trade and Industry; Reuters/Wood Mackenzie.

Singapore clean energy, Singapore electricity imports, low carbon electricity, Singapore 2035 energy target, ASEAN Power Grid