Government unveils transformative plans for Changi Airport and public transport electrification
Major Developments at Changi Airport Terminal 5
Singapore is set to commence construction of Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 (T5) in 2025, with operations anticipated to begin in the mid-2030s, Transport Minister S Iswaran announced on Friday (Mar 3). Land preparation and drainage at Changi East have been finalised, and the third runway is scheduled for completion later this decade.
Paused for two years due to the pandemic, the T5 project has resumed, with an additional S$2 billion allocated to the Changi Airport Development fund. This move ensures adequate resources for large-scale investments. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted last year that T5 would incorporate energy-efficient and pandemic-ready designs.
Changi Airport passenger volumes and flights are currently at 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with full recovery expected by 2024. The aviation workforce is nearing pre-pandemic numbers, reaching approximately 90 per cent of prior levels.
Aviation Sustainability Programme Launch
To enhance environmental initiatives, the Government has introduced a S$50 million Aviation Sustainability Programme. This will fund up to 70 per cent of sector-wide sustainability projects and 50 per cent of company-level efforts. Projects eligible for support include energy-efficient systems, streamlined airport operations, and alternative energy adoption.
Electrification of Singapore’s Public Transport Fleet
Singapore’s public transport system is advancing its green agenda with the deployment of approximately 400 new electric buses from December 2024. These buses will replace aging diesel vehicles, with procurement tenders to be awarded later this year. By 2030, half of Singapore’s public bus fleet is expected to run on electric power, aiming for full electrification by 2040.
Currently, 60 electric buses have been deployed, supported by electric charging facilities at multiple bus depots and integrated hubs. Additional depots will come online progressively to meet 2030 goals.
Extension of EV Charging Infrastructure Support
The Electric Vehicle Common Charger Grant, originally set to conclude in 2023, has been extended until December 2025. This initiative subsidises 50 per cent of smart charger costs, capped at S$4,000 per unit.
Aligned with the target of 60,000 public EV charging points by 2030, over 600 charging points across 200 carparks will be ready this month, with 2,000 more to follow by year’s end. Amendments to the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act have also simplified the installation of EV chargers, bolstering deployment efforts.
These initiatives underline Singapore’s commitment to sustainability, positioning the nation as a leader in green aviation and transport advancements.
