EMA launches proposal for new electricity generation capacity to meet rising demand

[SINGAPORE] The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has launched a third request for proposal (RFP) for new generation capacity to be operational in 2031 and 2032, aimed at meeting growing electricity demand and ensuring the reliability of Singapore’s power system. 

On Wednesday (Apr 29), the energy regulator said it is inviting the private sector to build, own and operate new hydrogen-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) generating units.

The plan calls for one unit to be ready in 2031 and up to two additional units to come onstream in 2032. Each unit will have a generation capacity of at least 600 megawatts (MW).

The latest proposal is part of EMA’s centralised process for developing new electricity generation capacity, which guides generation companies in making hydrogen-ready, lower-carbon intensity solutions and technologies.

This comes amid steadily rising electricity demand in Singapore, partly driven by “high-demand industrial and digital sectors”, with EMA citing semiconductors and data centres as examples.

The regulator said these sectors are expected to see continued growth over the next few decades.

EMA noted that Singapore’s peak power demand will grow by 2.4 to 4.8 per cent annually over the next 10 years, reaching between 9.6 and 11.4 gigawatts by 2031.

The regulator noted that CCGTs remain essential to ensure a sufficient and stable electricity supply as Singapore pursues a diversified portfolio of cleaner energy sources over the longer term. 

EMA’s CEO Puah Kok Keong said: “The new generating units, together with Singapore’s other CCGTs, will underpin the stable baseload power needed to support our transition to a cleaner energy future.” 

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Interested parties are to submit proposals by Jun 24, 2026, for the 2031 generating unit, and by Sep 30, 2026, for the 2032 generating unit or units.

EMA launched its second RFP in 2024 for two new CCGT generating units. It is expected to be operational in 2029 and 2030, respectively, with each unit having a generation capacity of at least 600 MW.

Its first RFP was launched in 2023 for a new CCGT plant with a minimum capacity of 600 MW, targeted for completion by end-2027.