SINGAPORE – Singapore’s energy supplies are secure despite surging oil and gas prices from Middle East conflicts, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng assured citizens on March 15.
In a social media video from Tokyo, Dr. Tan, who oversees Energy and Science & Technology, highlighted that natural gas powers 95% of the nation’s electricity, all imported. Crucially, half arrives via pipelines unaffected by disruptions, forming one of four key defenses alongside diverse imports from Australia and the US, fuel stockpiles, and diesel-switchable power plants.
“I want to assure all Singaporeans our energy is secure,” Dr. Tan said, while warning of impending electricity price hikes. He called for conservation and efficient appliances to mitigate costs.
Speaking at the inaugural Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum co-hosted by the US and Japan, Dr. Tan inked a pact with Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa. The deal boosts collaboration on cross-border electricity, low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, carbon capture, civil nuclear energy, LNG, and grid tech, including policy swaps, business ties, and standard harmonization.
Singapore, a “geographically disadvantaged” island, diversifies aggressively: investing in a second LNG terminal, launching state-owned GasCo for procurement, and surpassing solar targets early, hitting 2 gigawatt-peak ahead of 2030, aiming for 3 GW despite limits to 10% of demand due to density.
Dr. Tan spotlighted advanced nuclear like small modular reactors, partnering with US and South Korea experts, plus ASEAN Power Grid progress for regional trading. Amid rising global demand from AI, EVs, and manufacturing, he stressed multilateral resilience as Asia faces import vulnerabilities.
Past ties include Seatrium’s 2025 contract for Japanese offshore wind vessels. With conflicts disrupting trade, Dr. Tan affirmed natural gas’s enduring role while pursuing all viable options for reliability.