The EOI will enable the island nation, which is targeting Net Zero by 2050, to explore the use of hydrogen and ammonia for power generation, alongside other low-carbon alternatives such as electricity imports and domestic renewable energy sources. Proposals need to be submitted by April 30 next year.

Low or zero-carbon ammonia may also have multiple end-use pathways for power generation and bunkering. Beyond the power and maritime sectors, low or zero-carbon hydrogen and ammonia are also promising decarbonisation pathways for energy, chemicals and aviation sectors.

The move follows the recent launch of Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy. A key thrust of the strategy is for Singapore to experiment with the use of advanced hydrogen technologies that are on the cusp of commercial readiness.

Read more:  Singapore launches National Hydrogen Strategy

The roadmap forecasts that 50% of Singapore’s electricity demand in 2050 will be met by hydrogen fuel (via closed cycle gas turbines).

Due to its low energy density, hydrogen gas needs to be liquefied, compressed or converted into a hydrogen carrier for transport and storage.

Ammonia is currently one of the most technologically ready hydrogen carriers with an established international supply chain for industrial use. The EOI will enable Singapore to assess the viability of such projects, and support the development of the safety standards, regulations and ecosystem needed.

The roadmap suggests a key use for ammonia imports to Singapore will be for power generation: both direct use of ammonia fuel and cracking to produce hydrogen fuel. Ammonia-fuelled gas turbines are expected to be commercially available in the middle of this decade, with cracking to enable 100% hydrogen-fuelled gas turbines available by 2030, according to the Ammonia Energy Association.

Ngiam Shih Chun, Chief Executive of EMA, said: “Hydrogen and ammonia have the potential to be a needle-moving decarbonisation solution for the power sector. Through this Expression of Interest, EMA is keen to collaborate with interested industry partners to explore what could possibly be the world’s first low or zero-carbon ammonia solution for power generation.”

Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “Close collaboration between the public and private sector is critical to accelerate decarbonisation in the maritime industry. MPA hopes to partner those who are committed to building up the global supply chain for low or zero-carbon fuels, including ammonia, with Singapore as a key bunkering hub.”