Constraints that Prevent Scaling of Hydrokinetic Turbine Arrays in Singapore Strait

7 Dr Neo Kok Beng asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in light of the National University of Singapore (NUS) March 2026 research indicating that tidal energy could meet about 22% of Singapore's electricity demand (a) what is the Government's plan or strategy regarding tidal energy; and (b) what maritime constraints prevent the scaling of hydrokinetic turbine arrays in the Singapore Strait.

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Ms Gan Siow Huang) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry): Mr Speaker, studies have been conducted on the potential to deploy tidal energy in Singapore, but there are no current plans to deploy tidal energy. There is limited sea space for the deployment of tidal energy devices because much of Singapore's territorial waters is already used for ports, anchorage and shipping lanes.

The study cited by the Member did not take into account these existing uses of sea space or the cost-effectiveness of tidal energy when estimating the amount of electricity that could be generated from tidal energy in Singapore. Given the limited sea space available, the amount of tidal energy that can realistically be harnessed domestically is estimated to be less than 1% of Singapore's energy needs.