Singapore’s 2030 Solar Installation Target Upgraded From 2GW To 3GW, EMA Announces

Singapore has announced an upward revision of its 2030 solar installation target, increasing it from 2GW to 3GW. The adjustment comes after the country's solar installed capacity exceeded the 2GW threshold in 2025, marking a significant step forward in its journey toward a cleaner and more resilient energy system.

According to a statement released by Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA), the government will intensify efforts in solar deployment, continuing to promote installations on rooftops, land, and water surfaces. Additionally, new solutions such as solar panels on open-air parking lot canopies will be explored to maximize solar energy utilization in the land-scarce city-state.

Currently, more than 80% of Singapore's solar installed capacity comes from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, supported by a range of government-led incentives. Key initiatives include the SolarNova program, which aims to deploy solar energy on public buildings (including public housing), as well as the SolarRoof and SolarLand programs targeting industrial rooftops and vacant land. Meanwhile, the cost of solar panels has declined, shortening the payback period for household solar installations to five years. Owners of solar systems in Singapore can also sell the electricity generated through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), further enhancing the attractiveness of solar adoption.

The Chief Executive Officer of EMA stated that Singapore is already one of the cities with the highest solar density in the world. "We are committed to maximizing solar deployment opportunities while pursuing other low-carbon energy pathways," he said. "The new solar deployment target reflects Singapore's commitment to building a cleaner and more resilient energy system. This important initiative requires close collaboration between the government, industry, and the community."

Furthermore, a latest analysis report released by UK-based consulting firm Global Data indicates that Singapore is expected to reach 3.2GW of solar installed capacity by the end of 2030 and surpass the 5GW threshold by 2034, outperforming the newly revised government target.

Currently, Singapore's power system is highly dependent on natural gas, which accounts for approximately 95% of its electricity generation. EMA analysis points out that while solar energy is the main renewable energy source available for development, it can only meet at most about 10% of Singapore's projected energy demand by 2050 due to land constraints and intermittent nature.

Recently, Gan Kim Yong, Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister, stated that Singapore still faces disadvantages in alternative energy. The government will explore other potential energy pathways to decarbonize the power system, including introducing next-generation gas-fired power plants with lower carbon emissions than current stations and importing low-carbon electricity from neighboring countries. "The pace of our decarbonization will ultimately depend on technological advancements and the willingness of other countries to cooperate with us," he noted.

Notably, in June 2025, Singapore and Indonesia announced plans to develop a solar panel industry in the Riau Islands as part of a cross-border clean energy trade initiative. Subsequently, Singapore-based renewable energy company Equator Renewables Asia (ERA) signed a cooperation agreement with Huaneng International, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), to develop a 900MWp photovoltaic project and a 1.2GWh battery energy storage project in Indonesia's Riau Islands, aiming to supply green electricity to Singapore.