Singapore is calling interested parties to submit proposals aimed to develop low or zero-carbon power generation and bunkering solutions.

The announcement came as Singapore's National Hydrogen Strategy was launched at the recent Singapore International Energy Week 2022.

In a statement, the Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said a key thrust of the strategy is for Singapore to experiment with the use of advanced hydrogen technologies that are on the cusp of commercial readiness.

"To this end, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the MPA are inviting interested parties to submit proposals under an Expression of Interest (EOI) to build, own and operate low or zero-carbon power generation and bunkering solutions in Jurong Island, Singapore," it said.

MPA noted that low or zero-carbon hydrogen has the potential to support Singapore's decarbonisation efforts and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

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.

Beyond the power and maritime sectors, low or zero-carbon hydrogen and ammonia are also promising decarbonisation pathways for our energy, chemicals and aviation sectors.  

MPA said due to its low energy density, hydrogen gas needs to be liquefied, compressed or converted into a hydrogen carrier for transport and storage.

Meanwhile, ammonia is currently one of the most technologically ready hydrogen carriers with an established international supply chain for industrial use.

The statement noted that the EOI will enable Singapore to assess the viability of such projects, and support the development of the safety standards, regulations and ecosystem needed.   

"Hydrogen and ammonia have the potential to be a needle-moving decarbonisation solution for the power sector. Through this Expression of Interest, EMA is keen to collaborate with interested industry partners to explore what could possibly be the world's first low or zero-carbon ammonia solution for power generation," said Ngiam Shih Chun, chief executive of EMA.

Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA, for his part noted that "close collaboration between the public and private sector is critical to accelerating decarbonisation in the maritime industry."

"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," he said.

Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals by April 30, 2023.