Singapore approves 1GW renewable energy import from Malaysia
6 min read
Singapore's Energy Market Authority granted conditional approval to import 1 gigawatt of renewable electricity from Sarawak, Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in regional energy cooperation as both nations formalized agreements at twin ceremonies on October 17, 2025.
The approval was granted to Sembcorp Utilities, in partnership with Sarawak Energy Berhad, for a hydropower project expected to begin commercial operations around 2035. The consortium will export approximately 1GW of clean electricity through one of the world's longest submarine cable systems, spanning 700 kilometers.
Here are three key summary points about the Singapore-Sarawak renewable energy partnership:
- Singapore approved the import of 1GW of hydro-based renewable electricity from Sarawak, Malaysia, with transmission via a planned 700km submarine cable route starting commercial operations around 2035.
- The project is part of Singapore’s strategy to source 6GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, supporting regional decarbonization and diversifying the city-state’s power sector, which is currently reliant on natural gas.
- The strategic partnership involves formal agreements between Singapore and Malaysian officials, with construction beginning in 2026 and crucial cable routing through Indonesian waters, requiring regional cooperation and regulatory approvals.
Strategic Energy Partnership Takes Shape
The conditional approval ceremonies were witnessed by high-level officials from both countries, including Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. A second ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, attended by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof and Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy Dr. Tan See Leng.[1][2][3][4]
"This marks a new phase of energy partnership between both nations," said Singapore's Energy Market Authority in announcing the approval. The project has preliminarily been assessed as technically and commercially viable, though the consortium must still secure regulatory approvals from all relevant jurisdictions, including countries through which transmission cables will pass.[5][6][7]
Construction of the submarine cables is set to begin by 2026, according to Sarawak Premier Abang Johari, pending resolution of submarine cable supply shortages expected to be overcome by the end of this year. With 70% of the cable route passing through Indonesian waters, Indonesia's endorsement remains crucial for the project's progression.[4]
Regional Decarbonization Drive
The Sarawak project contributes to Singapore's expanded goal of importing 6GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, representing approximately 30% of the nation's power supply. This target was increased from an initial 4GW goal due to strong interest from credible parties to participate in electricity import projects.[1][2][3]
Singapore's power sector currently accounts for 40% of the nation's carbon emissions, with 95% of electricity generated from natural gas. The diversification strategy through regional power grids forms a key pillar of Singapore's decarbonization efforts, alongside solar deployment and emerging low-carbon alternatives.[4][5]
To date, Singapore has granted conditional approvals and licenses for 7.35GW worth of clean power import projects from Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Australia. The island nation currently imports 50MW of renewable energy from Malaysia as part of a pilot program that started in December 2024.[2][6][7]
Sarawak's hydropower capacity totals 3,452MW across existing plants, with plans to reach 10GW by 2030 including solar and natural gas generation. The Malaysian state has already established cross-border connections with West Kalimantan, Indonesia since 2016, and is working toward new interconnections with Sabah and Brunei Darussalam to serve regional energy demands.[8][9][10][11]
Reference sources:
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