Singapore is looking to develop its first low or zero-carbon bunkering operation using hydrogen technologies, maritime and energy regulators have announced.
The city state’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are inviting interested parties to submit proposals under an expression of interest (EOI) to pitch for the right to build, own and operate the facility which will be located on Jurong Island.
The invitation follows the recent launch of Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy, a key thrust of which is for Singapore to experiment with the use of advanced hydrogen technologies that are on the cusp of commercial readiness.
The purpose of the project is to generate, at the start, a minimum of 50 MW of electricity from imported low or zero-carbon ammonia for an operational period of up to 25 years, and to support ammonia bunkering, according to documents outlining the bid.
“Low or zero-carbon hydrogen has the potential to support Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts and achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” the EMA and MPA said.
“The EOI will enable us to explore the use of low or zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia for power generation, alongside other low-carbon alternatives such as electricity imports and domestic renewable energy sources.
“Low or zero-carbon ammonia may also have multiple end-use pathways for power generation and bunkering,” they added.
Ammonia is seen as 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.
“Close collaboration between the public and private sector is critical to accelerating decarbonisation in the maritime industry,” said MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih.
“MPA hopes to partner with 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.”
The MPA said interested parties are invited to submit their proposals by 30 April 2023.
