A step towards greener energy with the development of a hydrogen-ready gas turbine at Pulau Seraya Power Station.
Singapore has officially launched the construction of an $800 million hydrogen-ready power plant, marking a significant step towards meeting the country’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
Key Aspects of the New Power Plant:
Location and Capacity: The plant, located at Pulau Seraya Power Station on Jurong Island, will have a 600 MW capacity, enough to power about 864,000 four-room flats annually.
Hydrogen Compatibility: Initially, the plant will use a 50% hydrogen and 50% natural gas mix for electricity generation. It can later be retrofitted to run fully on hydrogen, which emits no carbon dioxide when burned, making it a cleaner fuel option compared to natural gas.
Completion Timeline: The power plant is expected to be completed by December 31, 2027.
Significance of the Project:
Energy Demand Growth: With Singapore’s energy demand set to grow by 3% to 5% annually due to economic and digital expansion, the new plant will help meet rising electricity needs, particularly during peak demand hours in the afternoon.
Government Support: The project is the first awarded under the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) new framework, where private companies are invited to build and operate power plants to meet forecasted energy needs.
Environmental and Economic Impact:
Carbon Emissions Reduction: The new plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 17% for every unit of electricity generated using natural gas. This reduction could increase by 33% when a 50% hydrogen mix is used.
Hydrogen’s Role: Though large-scale green hydrogen production is still in early stages in Singapore, the plant’s hydrogen readiness aligns with the country’s long-term push towards cleaner energy sources.
Future Outlook:
Hydrogen Cost Considerations: While hydrogen is currently more expensive than natural gas, the price is expected to become competitive as the green hydrogen ecosystem expands.
Other Technological Advances: In addition to hydrogen, EMA is exploring the viability of carbon capture technologies to further reduce emissions while maintaining natural gas in the energy mix.
The new hydrogen-enabled power plant is a pivotal development in Singapore’s energy transition and sets a strong foundation for the country’s ambitious sustainability goals.
