Question

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry whether there are plans to phase out the use of coal in Singapore’s energy production given that the new 600MW hydrogen-ready Keppel Sakra Cogen Plant is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. Coal makes up around 1% of Singapore’s power generation capacity. The only generation plant that uses coal is the Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex (TMUC), which produces not just electricity but also steam for industrial use. The TMUC employs a mix of clean coal (i.e. low-ash and low sulphur), as well as biomass to reduce the overall carbon intensity of the plant’s emissions.

2. We do not intend to build any new coal-powered plants. The timeline for phasing out the use of coal in Singapore’s energy production will depend on TMUC’s remaining asset life and the availability of viable alternatives for companies that TMUC currently supplies. We are working with the companies to explore bringing forward the timeline and mitigating the emissions where possible.

3. Electricity demand in Singapore is projected to increase with economic growth, digitalisation and electrification. The 600MW hydrogen-ready Keppel Sakra Cogen Plant will help to meet the demands of the system and ensure that we have reliable electricity supply.