A recent report by Jacobs has revealed significant challenges facing Singapore’s energy infrastructure, with 67% of energy leaders identifying dependencies on other infrastructure systems as a major or critical constraint on energy delivery. This finding is the highest among the five markets surveyed, which include the US, UK, Australia, and Germany. The report, titled “The Energy Readiness Equation,” underscores the growing importance of cross-border coordination and infrastructure planning as Singapore plans to import around 6 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035.
The report highlights that nearly 68% of Singapore’s energy leaders view geopolitical disruption as a potential operational threat over the next three years. Despite these concerns, confidence remains high, with 96% of respondents believing that their critical assets would continue operating during a major disruption. This confidence is crucial as Singapore’s energy security increasingly depends on infrastructure and decisions beyond its borders, given that approximately 95% of its electricity is currently generated using imported natural gas.
Jacobs’ Head of Energy & Power Advisory Asia, Neil D’Souza, emphasised the need for regional cooperation, stating, “As the energy system extends beyond national borders, energy security will increasingly depend on how countries align infrastructure, regulation, and operating arrangements across the region.”
The report also compares challenges in other regions, noting that the US faces permitting issues, the UK is focused on grid readiness, Germany is concerned with supply-chain disruptions, and Australia sees a shortage of investable projects. Jacobs President of Global Operations, Patrick Hill, remarked on the importance of sharing successful strategies across regions to improve energy infrastructure delivery.
In conclusion, the Jacobs report highlights the critical need for Singapore to enhance its infrastructure planning and coordination to ensure energy security amidst growing regional dependencies.
