In response to the escalating demand for electricity, Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Tan See Leng, underscores the pressing need for augmented generation capacity. This call comes during the groundbreaking ceremony for Keppel’s pioneering hydrogen-ready power plant on Jurong Island.
Overcapacity Challenges Stemming from Energy-Intensive Investments
Dr. Tan, also the Manpower Minister, attributes the overcapacity situation in Singapore’s power system to the exuberant investments in energy-intensive sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and data centers. A decade-long overcapacity trend, fueled by overly optimistic investments, now necessitates swift action.
Keppel’s Solution: The Hydrogen-Ready Sakra Cogen Plant
Set for completion in the first half of 2026, the Keppel Sakra Cogen Plant emerges as a crucial player in meeting Singapore’s electricity demands. This advanced combined cycle gas turbine plant is designed to produce 600 megawatts of electricity, catering to 8 percent of the country’s peak demand in 2022.
Advancing Towards a Net-Zero Future: Hydrogen-Ready Technology
The Keppel Sakra Cogen Plant stands as a beacon of Singapore’s commitment to transition the power sector to a net-zero future by 2050. Operating initially on natural gas, the plant boasts enhanced energy efficiency, with the ability to co-fire with 30 percent hydrogen content and eventually transition to 100 percent hydrogen.
Environmental Impact: A Decisive Step Towards Sustainability
Beyond meeting electricity demands, the environmental impact of the plant is significant. Expected to save 220,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, this equates to removing 47,000 cars from the road each year. Keppel’s Infrastructure Division CEO, Ms. Cindy Lim, emphasizes the plant’s pivotal role in investing in cutting-edge, low-carbon power generation technology. The move aligns with Singapore’s broader efforts to decarbonize across various sectors, including energy, chemicals, maritime, and aviation.
Source：channelnewsasia.com
