Summary of Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy

Summary of Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy

Objective

Singapore aims to leverage low-carbon hydrogen as a key decarbonization pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, enhance energy security, and support economic growth. Given its limited renewable energy potential, hydrogen offers a scalable solution for power generation, industry, and transport.

Key Focus Areas

1. Hydrogen’s Role in Decarbonization

• Power Sector (40% of emissions):

  • Hydrogen could supply up to 50% of Singapore’s electricity by 2050.

  • Transition from natural gas to hydrogen-combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs)—30-50% hydrogen blends are available now; 100% hydrogen turbines expected by 2030.

• Industry (44% of emissions):

  • Hydrogen as feedstock (e.g., refining, semiconductors) and fuel (replacing fossil fuels in heat/power generation).

• Transport (14% of emissions):

  • Maritime: Ammonia (a hydrogen carrier) as a zero-carbon bunker fuel; Singapore is piloting ammonia bunkering.

  • Aviation: Hydrogen for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and fuel cells for ground vehicles; long-term potential for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

  • Land Transport: Hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-duty vehicles.

2. Five Strategic Thrusts

1. Pathfinder Projects:

   • Pilot ammonia-based hydrogen for power generation and maritime bunkering.

   • Address safety, regulatory, and land-use challenges.

2. R&D Investment:

   • Allocate S$129M for hydrogen tech (e.g., ammonia cracking, liquefied hydrogen transport).

   • Focus on safety, efficiency, and land optimization.

3. International Collaboration:

   • Partner with other nations to develop supply chains, certification standards (Guarantee of Origin), and trade frameworks.

4. Infrastructure Planning:

   • Prepare for import terminals, storage, and distribution networks (e.g., dedicated hydrogen pipelines).

5. Workforce Development:

   • Upskill workers in energy, maritime, and aviation sectors for hydrogen adoption.

Challenges & Approach

• High Costs: Importing hydrogen is expensive; global supply chains are nascent.

• Tech Uncertainty: Safety and scalability of ammonia/hydrogen in ships, power plants, and aircraft need validation.

• Phased Deployment: Singapore will progressively scale hydrogen use based on global tech advancements.

Conclusion

Singapore’s strategy balances ambition with pragmatism, focusing on early pilots, R&D, and global partnerships to position itself as a hydrogen hub while ensuring a just transition for industries and workers.

Published by: Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore (October 2022)

Key Takeaway: Hydrogen is a critical, but not sole, solution—Singapore will diversify with solar, imports, and other low-carbon alternatives to meet net-zero goals.

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