PacificLight to pair new gas power plant with giant batteries in Singapore first

PacificLight Power, a subsidiary of PLM Power, has commenced the construction of Singapore's first gas-fired power plant paired with a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS). The S$1.2 billion facility on Jurong Island is designed to generate 670 megawatts (MW) of electricity and is expected to begin operations in 2029.

The plant will house Singapore's largest and most efficient single power generation unit, capable of serving up to 1.2 million four-room flats. To enhance the plant's operational resilience, an 80 MW lithium-ion BESS is to be installed, allowing the gas turbine to be larger and addressing intermittency issues from solar power. The BESS can respond to contingencies within two seconds, according to PacificLight CEO Yu Tat Ming.

The minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng stated that Singapore's electricity demand is expected to grow by 2.9 to 6.5 per cent annually until 2034, necessitating continued investment in new generation capacity to ensure reliable and competitively priced energy for future growth. The BESS will support grid stability as Singapore integrates more solar power, as the intermittent nature of solar output presents technical challenges in maintaining grid stability.

PacificLight aims to transition to fully using hydrogen in the future, with the plant's turbine compatible with up to 30 per cent hydrogen content by volume. The project is a significant milestone in Jurong Island's transformation towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.