India, Singapore Explore 2 GW Power Link Amid Import Delays

India and Singapore explore a proposed 2 GW electricity interconnection through Southeast Asia as Singapore’s 9.25 GW low-carbon power import pipeline faces delays, threatening its 2035 clean energy targets.

India and Singapore are exploring a proposed 2,000-megawatt (MW) cross-border electricity interconnection to strengthen regional energy connectivity and support clean power trade. Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik outlined the initiative during discussions at the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers’ Meeting. One option under consideration is a land-based transmission corridor spanning approximately 3,000 kilometres, connecting Imphal in India to Singapore through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.

The proposal comes as Singapore faces challenges in meeting its clean electricity import ambitions. The country has approved 9.25 gigawatts (GW) of low-carbon electricity imports across six corridors, but none of the approved projects has started construction. According to Wood Mackenzie’s October 2026 analysis, imported electricity could account for only 2% of Singapore’s electricity generation mix by 2035, significantly below the government’s target of importing 6 GW of low-carbon power.

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Singapore generates up to 95% of its electricity from natural gas and has limited land for large-scale renewable energy installations. Electricity imports are therefore an important part of its decarbonisation strategy. However, regulatory uncertainty, transmission infrastructure requirements, financing challenges and the absence of bankable commercial arrangements are delaying projects.

Indonesia accounts for 37% of Singapore’s approved import pipeline, but progress has stalled amid export permit requirements and local content rules. Projects also face challenges in securing long-term financing, agreeing on electricity prices and meeting reliability requirements through battery energy storage.

Malaysia currently offers a more immediate route for regional electricity trade. Its high-voltage direct current interconnector with Singapore provides up to 1 GW of bidirectional capacity. In August 2026, Singapore approved 900 MW of electricity imports from Johor, including allocations for projects combining solar power and battery storage. Some deliveries could begin by 2029 using existing infrastructure, although additional transmission capacity may be required for further imports.

Naik also said India was ready to share expertise in renewable energy deployment, grid integration, transmission planning, energy storage and green hydrogen with East Asian countries. He called for stronger institutional cooperation between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Indian organisations, including NTPC, POWERGRID and the Central Electricity Authority.

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The proposed India-Singapore link could expand cross-border electricity cooperation, but its progress will depend on technical feasibility, regional coordination and the development of viable transmission infrastructure.