Singapore Advances Geothermal Energy Exploration Following Promising Findings
Singapore is set to investigate geothermal energy's potential for powering the nation, with findings indicating significant underground heat sources.
Singapore is ramping up its efforts to explore geothermal energy following promising results from a recent survey, suggesting that the nation's underground heat sources could generate over 60 times its current electricity consumption.
New Study to Evaluate Feasibility
On October 26, Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry Tan See Leng announced plans for a study aimed at assessing the feasibility of utilizing geothermal energy for electricity, heating, and cooling. His remarks came during the opening of the annual Singapore International Energy Week, hosted by the Energy Market Authority (EMA).
"We were very pleasantly surprised with the findings. If harnessed effectively, geothermal energy could supply power for the next 60 years," Tan stated. The 15-month study is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026 and will be carried out by a consortium led by Surbana Jurong and GLJ, an energy consulting firm.
Key Focus Areas of the Study
The investigative study will cover essential elements such as safety, technical feasibility, and the costs associated with harnessing geothermal resources. Additionally, the consortium will evaluate the environmental and commercial viability of deep geothermal systems.
Locations for potential further evaluation may include invasive drilling methods to identify suitable sites for resource extraction.
While the geothermal resources lie several kilometers below the surface, Singapore's urban layout may limit the number of geothermal plants that can be deployed. Tan emphasized the importance of considering safety first in these endeavors.
Geothermal Energy Potential in Singapore
Recent findings have highlighted that Singapore's underground geothermal resources could potentially generate over 60 terawatt-hours of energy annually. However, the outcome will depend on the financial and technical feasibility of accessing these resources, as well as advancements in deep drilling technologies.
Singapore aims to diversify its energy security by exploring cleaner, low-carbon options, such as advanced nuclear and geothermal resources. A report released in 2022 projected that by 2050, such emerging technologies could provide about 10% of Singapore’s energy needs.
Notably, traditional geothermal energy is often sourced from hot water reservoirs in volcanically active areas. However, Singapore's prospects may come from unique sources, specifically dry hot rocks found deep underground. Utilizing this resource will require deep geothermal systems, which may involve injecting fluid into the hot rocks to extract heat effectively.
Understanding the Technical Challenges
According to Mark Lim, an adjunct research scientist at the Energy Research Institute @ NTU, extracting geothermal heat may necessitate enhancing natural fractures or generating new ones to maximize heat extraction. However, such methods carry risks, including the possibility of inducing tremors.
Another method under consideration involves a closed-loop system with pipes installed underground through which a fluid circulates, absorbing heat without coming into direct contact with the rock.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Research
While no decisions have been finalized regarding geothermal energy exploitation, Minister Tan emphasized that all options remain on the table. The journey toward making geothermal energy a viable option for Singapore may take years of careful study and assessment.
Previous surveys conducted by the EMA between 2024 and 2026 extensively mapped the underground geology of Singapore. Findings indicated the presence of high-temperature geothermal resources at depths up to 10 kilometers, which could be suitable for harnessing energy. The new study will seek to further clarify the extent of Singapore’s geothermal potential.
Local researchers identified areas in Sembawang, Admiralty, and Pulau Tekong as potential sites for geothermal energy sources. Most notably, a research team discovered high temperatures in Sembawang and Admiralty, indicating promising prospects for electricity generation. For instance, temperatures of 70 degrees Celsius were recorded at a depth of 1.12 kilometers in Admiralty.
In addition, Pulau Tekong is another region of interest, where a hot spring is located in its northern Unum area. The unfolding research in these areas brings hope for the potential of geothermal energy to contribute to Singapore’s electricity supply.