SIEW 2025: Tuas Power’s Steam Generation Plant to Run on 100% Biomass
Tuas Power’s plan to convert its steam generation plant, Singapore’s largest, to run on 100% renewable biomass by 2028 exemplifies a collective effort crucial for the country’s energy transition, said speakers on a panel during the Singapore International Energy Week on Thursday.
Located on Jurong Island, the Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex or TMUC currently provides 900 metric tons per hour of steam and 133 megawatts of power. Launched in 2013 and originally designed with an 80:20 coal-to-biomass ratio, it has steadily increased biomass use through certified feedstocks like imported wood pellets, palm kernel shells and local waste wood.
Once completed, the conversion will transform TMUC into Singapore’s largest green steam and green power cogeneration facility. Full conversion will reduce Tuas Power’s reckonable emissions by roughly 1 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
“Currently, the ratio is about 70:30 (coal to biomass), and we are trying to reach 100% biomass,” said Michael Wong, chief operation officer of Tuas Power.
While solar remains important in Singapore, its effectiveness is challenged by limited land and weather variability. “Biomass can be a 24/7 controllable power source to complement solar…moving forward, it’s a better solution to complement and provide as a base load for our customers,” said Wong.
TMUC’s shift relies not just on the power generator but on a broad partnership network of industrial users working together on low-carbon energy. Corporates like ABB, Digital Realty, StarHub and YCH Group, which have collaborated with Tuas Power, integrate biomass into their specified science-based targets.
“More enterprise clients want to know our sustainability targets, what are the actions towards the target and what are the carbon emissions per service,” said Jaclyn Yeo, Starhub’s head of sustainability. She noted that the priority is not going for immediate perfection but achieving low carbon and acting now to make meaningful progress.
Jerrica Chooi, country holding officer of ABB Singapore said that this collective partnership is about connecting stakeholders across sectors from technology to digital services and meeting the growing demand for sustainable power and supporting investments that make a real difference.
“It’s expensive. But if you don’t do it, you won’t be in the market for long,” Chooi added.
The Singapore International Energy Week, held this year from Oct. 27 to Oct. 31, is an annual event organized by the Energy Market Authority.
–Reporting by Sang Ah Lee, slee@opisnet.com; Editing by Mei-Hwen Wong, mwong@opisnet.com