PacificLight to pair new gas power plant with giant batteries in Singapore first
Battery usage allows for a larger gas turbine and addresses intermittency issues from solar power, says CEO
PacificLight Power, a subsidiary of PacificLight Power, has commenced construction on Singapore's first gas-fired power plant paired with a substantial battery energy storage system (BESS). The S$1.2 billion facility on Jurong Island boasts a 670 MW capacity and is slated for operation in 2029. The plant will house Singapore's most efficient single power generation unit, capable of meeting the energy requirements of up to 1.2 million four-room apartments.
Accompanying the plant is an 80 MW lithium-ion BESS designed to fortify operational resilience and contingency response capabilities. Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng emphasized Singapore's escalating electricity demand driven by advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, and electric vehicles.
The ministry projects peak electricity demand to rise by 2.9 to 6.5 percent annually until 2034. BESS addresses intermittency issues from solar power by enabling response times within two seconds, allowing for the installation of a larger gas turbine plant without compromising system stability. The BESS also supports new system requirements arising from increasing solar power deployment.
The turbine can operate on fuels containing up to 30 percent hydrogen, aligning with EMA's mandate that new and repowered gas plants from 2024 must be at least 30 percent hydrogen-compatible. PacificLight aims for full hydrogen utilization in the future, though commercial and logistical challenges persist. Natural gas remains a cornerstone of Singapore's electricity system in the foreseeable future.
The project marks PacificLight's third gas power plant on Jurong Island, following existing 830 MW and 100 MW plants. Mitsubishi Power is constructing the new facility, supplying the hydrogen-ready gas turbine, and ensuring stable operation post-commissioning. PacificLight's ownership includes Meralco PowerGen and First Pacific.
The company is also involved in projects like solar power import from Indonesia, the Rexus Waste Wood-to-Energy Plant, and a smart microgrid for the Punggol Digital District.
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