Powering Singapore with clean energy from Indonesia

With limited land to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, Singapore is collaborating with its Southeast Asian neighbours to import low-carbon electricity via subsea power cables.

In 2024, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) granted a conditional licence for the Pacific Medco Solar Energy (PMSE) consortium to import 600 MW of low-carbon electricity from Indonesia. The approval, granted under a bilateral energy cooperation framework between the two nations, reinforces their shared commitment to renewable energy and regional energy security.

To achieve this, PMSE plans to install solar PV capacity of at least 2000 MWp and a battery energy storage system (BESS) of at least 3000 MWh on Pulau Bulan Island in Indonesia. Once complete, the Bulan Solar PV and BESS project will use a 400 kV high-voltage subsea cable to deliver clean electricity to Singapore’s grid. The subsea cable route will span around 40km and connect to a new substation on Jurong Island in Singapore.

Engineering a cross-border energy future

Our involvement in the Bulan project started in 2024 when we were appointed as lead engineering consultant for PMSE. In this role, we’re providing comprehensive owner’s engineer services to deliver a bankable feasibility study, robust preliminary design and ready-to-issue tender documents – laying the groundwork for successful execution and construction of the project.

Laying the foundation for a bankable project

Feasibility assessment has involved site suitability surveys, solar resource assessment, detailed energy yield modelling and system sizing assessment to ensure the project’s technical and commercial viability. This stage of the project has also looked at the subsea cable route, landing points and site logistics challenges, including marine imports.

This early-stage work lays the foundation for a technically robust and bankable project, aligning with the import requirements set by EMA.

Basic engineering design

In parallel to the feasibility works, we are also developing the basic engineering design for all major components of the project. This includes the onshore solar PV array, battery storage system, interconnection facilities and the offshore subsea cable link to Singapore, ensuring compliance with relevant code requirements in both Indonesia and Singapore.

Our multidisciplinary team – comprising solar engineers, power systems specialists, civil and structural engineers and subsea cable experts – is producing site layouts, single-line diagrams, system studies such as load flow and stability, and preliminary construction plans.

To align design choices, we’re taking a collaborative approach with the client and key stakeholders by conducting regular design workstream meetings, to assure that the basic design supports an effective engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tender process.

Tender documentation and procurement support

One of our earliest tasks was to map out potential procurement pathways for the project, and the early engagement required with the supply chain.

To support the next phase of development, we are preparing detailed tender documentation and procurement materials. This includes compiling technical specifications and supporting the tender process for the EPC packages, covering the plant and transmission infrastructure.

Collaboration across borders

A key part of our role as lead engineering consultant is to support all designs in meeting safety, reliability and regulatory standards. To do so, we are required to reference both Indonesian and Singaporean codes to guarantee compliance. Supporting an active dialogue with the EMA and Indonesian authorities has been instrumental to ensuring alignment.

Philip Napier-Moore, energy leader for Asia, said: “We’re at the forefront of deploying firmed clean energy with subsea cables, with a world-leading capability, having worked on related projects across Asia, Australia, UAE, USA and Europe. We’re tapping into over 50 specialists across our global network including from Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom to deliver the Bulan project.”

A trailblazer in regional energy cooperation

The Bulan Solar PV and BESS project is more than a renewable energy initiative; it’s a model for international collaboration. By combining technical expertise, regulatory alignment and strategic investment, it sets a trailblazing precedent for cross-border clean energy trade in Southeast Asia.

Our involvement will ensure the project is technically sound, cost-effective and ready for development, helping Singapore to reach its ambitious target of achieving 30% of its electricity supply from renewable sources by 2035.