Geothermal Energy's Potential Future Contribution to Singapore's Low-carbon Footprint

13 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry in view of recent reports of exploratory studies at a site near the Sembawang hot spring, whether an update can be provided on the Government's assessment of geothermal energy's potential future contribution to low-carbon energy and/or energy conservation in Singapore.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Singapore does not have sufficient near-surface underground heat resources, such as underground hot water or steam, to deploy conventional geothermal systems. However, with new developments in geothermal technology, there is potential to harness heat that is deep underground for power generation.

The exploratory study led by researchers from the Nanyang Technological University found that in Admiralty, the heat at a depth of four to five kilometres could be sufficient for electricity generation.

However, these new geothermal technologies that can harness heat at such great depths have yet to be commercially deployed. There are, therefore, no immediate plans for geothermal energy production in Singapore.

To holistically assess Singapore’s geothermal potential, the Energy Market Authority will be launching a tender later this year to conduct a geophysical survey across Singapore. The survey will take a few years to complete. It will provide additional data to help in the assessment of geothermal energy as a potential source of renewable energy in Singapore.