Question

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether Malaysia’s ban on renewable energy exports will prevent Singapore from importing renewable energy from other countries in the region like Thailand and Laos through existing powerlines in Malaysia; and (b) whether Singapore is in talks with Malaysia to consider joint renewable energy projects that will help secure energy supplies.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. Malaysia and Singapore have been working closely at bilateral and multilateral platforms on our decarbonization efforts. Malaysia’s decision to disallow the export of renewable energy to Singapore does not extend to the passage of electricity from other countries, through Malaysia, to Singapore. The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project or the LTMS-PIP, which commenced on 23 June 2022, is one such example. Under the LTMS-PIP, we are importing up to 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable hydropower from Lao PDR through Thailand and Malaysia via existing interconnections for a two-year period. The Project serves as a pathfinder to complement efforts on the ASEAN Power Grid by creating opportunities for multilateral electricity trading. We look forward to the continued success of the Project, which reaffirms and deepens the strong energy cooperation between the four countries.

2. We believe that collaboration with regional partners to develop renewable energy resources and advance cross-border electricity trade is a win-win proposition for all involved. There is significant benefit for all countries involved, as cross-border electricity trade will encourage investments in renewable energy production as it can serve a broader regional market. A collective regional and global effort is needed for the energy transition to be successful. We are having collaborative discussions with regional and global partners, including Malaysia, to advance our mutual and collective interests.