MTI unveils plans to integrate hydrogen as a key element in the nation’s low-carbon future
On October 25, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) unveiled Singapore’s commitment to exploring ammonia-fuelled power and developing hydrogen infrastructure as part of the nation’s strategy to meet its net-zero emissions targets. The government will soon issue an expression of interest for a small-scale commercial project focusing on ammonia for power generation. This project will aim to develop ammonia supply chains to support marine bunkering needs while assessing its potential as both a hydrogen carrier and a direct fuel.
In addition, Phase 2 of Singapore’s Low Carbon Energy Research (LCER) programme will prioritise hydrogen research. Following the allocation of S$55 million for Phase 1, another S$129 million has been earmarked for Phase 2, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing low-carbon technologies.
To bolster the hydrogen economy, Singapore plans to collaborate with industry leaders and international partners to establish and scale up supply chains for low-carbon hydrogen. Efforts will focus on developing internationally compatible Guarantee of Origin certification methodologies and establishing a trading and financing ecosystem to facilitate the global exchange of low-carbon hydrogen.
The government will also invest in the infrastructure needed to import, store, and convert hydrogen into power, while supporting workforce training to equip the sector with the necessary expertise. These initiatives align with the recent announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who confirmed Singapore’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in Singapore’s path towards net-zero emissions, with the Energy Market Authority projecting that low-carbon hydrogen could meet up to half of Singapore’s power needs by 2050. Hydrogen is seen as a versatile solution, suitable for use in sectors like power generation, industrial processes, and transportation, without releasing harmful greenhouse gases.
Despite its potential, many hydrogen technologies are still in development, and a global supply chain for hydrogen is yet to be established. Nevertheless, there is growing interest worldwide in accelerating hydrogen development, as reflected in the increasing number of production projects and research initiatives.
Wong highlighted hydrogen’s promise as a low-carbon fuel for sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as maritime, aviation, and the industrial sector, where hydrogen can serve as a feedstock for processes in semiconductor manufacturing and petrochemicals. As hydrogen technologies mature and supply chains expand, Singapore aims to position itself at the forefront of this emerging energy sector.
