Singapore’s ambitious plan to import 9.25 gigawatts (GW) of low-carbon electricity is encountering significant delays, with none of the approved projects reaching financial close or beginning construction. According to Wood Mackenzie, imports will constitute just 15% of the nation’s electricity generation by 2035, a stark contrast to the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) goal of 6 GW.
The EMA’s import scheme is crucial for Singapore, which relies heavily on natural gas for up to 95% of its electricity and lacks space for large-scale renewable energy projects. The 6 GW target is a key component of Singapore’s decarbonisation strategy, intended to meet about one-third of projected demand.
Malaysia has emerged as the only viable corridor for delivery within this decade, with the existing Malaysia-Singapore HVDC interconnector providing up to 1 GW of capacity. In August 2026, EMA approved 900 megawatts (MW) from Johor, with projects involving Sembcorp Utilities and Ditrolic Energy. However, full delivery may require additional infrastructure, which is still under feasibility study.
Indonesia, holding 37% of the approved pipeline, faces regulatory hurdles, including a five-year renewal requirement for export permits and a 40% local content mandate. These challenges hinder long-term project financing and development.
Other regions, including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Australia, remain at the Conditional Approval stage with no construction timelines. These projects are unlikely to contribute significantly to Singapore’s imports before the late 2030s.
The final challenge for all corridors is price competitiveness. Imported electricity must compete with Singapore’s domestic energy prices and include a carbon tax. A certificate framework for carbon benefits is still in development. “No project in the pipeline has cleared all three hurdles yet,” said Wei Han Tan, a research analyst at Wood Mackenzie.
