Singapore's EMA sees 30% peak power demand growth, pushes gas, solar, imports and demand response

Singapore's Energy Market Authority expects peak electricity demand to rise 30% over the next decade, driven by data centres, semiconductors and electrification. The country imports about 95% of its gas for power generation, and solar can cover only about 10% of supply due to land constraints. That forces a mix of imported renewable power, new LNG capacity, and low carbon options like nuclear and geothermal. Businesses can get paid to shift electricity use through the Demand Response Programme, with average payouts of S$2,000 to S$3,000 per MWh between 2020 and 2025. EMA is also testing virtual power plants that aggregate solar and batteries. For companies, the near term play is energy efficiency first, then flexibility.