As Singapore’s energy transition gains momentum, the clean energy industry is poised to experience significant workforce growth over the next decade.

Results from the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) Energy Sector Manpower Survey 2022 show that Singapore’s clean energy workforce is projected to increase by 80% by 2032, reaching around 2,700 workers. The power sector is also expected to expand by 800 workers during the same period. Job functions such as electricity transmission and distribution solutions, low-carbon alternatives, solar energy, and smart grids are expected to experience significant growth.

The ESMS revealed that Singapore residents currently make up 83% of the clean energy workforce, with engineers comprising the majority of the technical workforce. The projected workforce growth thus augurs well for the job opportunities that will be available to Singapore residents.

In addition, workforce expansion into digital and Industry 4.0 job functions like data analytics and Operational Technology cybersecurity is also anticipated. Workers in these areas will need skills in data management, data engineering, and security solutions implementation, highlighting the importance of equipping the workforce for the evolving clean energy industry and a digitalised future. More details on the Energy Sector Manpower Survey are available in Annex B.

Catalysing New Solutions to Further Advance the Singapore Energy Transition

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As part of efforts to further advance the Singapore Energy Transition, EMA is stepping up research and development (R&D) efforts in clean energy solutions.

EMA has launched the 2^nd Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Grant Call and awarded R&D grants at Energy Innovation 2023. The annual event is a key platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers, as part of EMA’s efforts to drive the development of new technologies and solutions to support a low-carbon and sustainable future.

The 2^nd ESS Grant Call focuses on advancing the integration of energy storage technologies into Singapore’s power grid. ESS play a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability and facilitating renewable energy integration. The call invites industry and researchers to collaborate and develop more land efficient, cost-effective, and safer ESS solutions suited for Singapore’s tropical, urbanised environment and constraints. For more information on the second ESS Grant call, please refer to Annex C.

EMA, with support from Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), has awarded grants to three local energy startups through separate partnerships with Shell and Envision Digital. The grants are supported under EnterpriseSG’s Open Innovation initiative, which encourages Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startups to collaborate with industry players to develop commercially viable solutions. These startups, Power Facade, Ampotech, and EtaVolt, are developing innovative solutions to accelerate the adoption of Building Applied Photovoltaics, enable more buildings to adopt air-conditioning optimisation technologies, as well as maximise solar photovoltaic performance and ensure efficient recycling of solar panels. These initiatives will promote clean energy adoption, enhance energy efficiency, and improve circularity in the clean energy sector. Details on the projects can be found in Annex D.

EMA will continue to foster innovation, digital transformation, and R&D, to develop a future-ready clean energy sector that supports Singapore’s energy transition, unlocks opportunities for local enterprises, and creates quality jobs for Singaporeans.