Singapore Forges Ahead in Submarine Power Projects with New Strategic Alliances

Singapore is making significant strides in bolstering its energy infrastructure and fostering regional power connectivity. In a recent development, Kim Heng, a Singapore-headquartered offshore marine service contractor, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Energy Interconnections (SGEI), a newly established government-linked entity. This strategic partnership aims to enhance cooperation on submarine power projects across the region.

The non-binding MoU, signed on June 9, outlines a collaborative framework where both parties will work together on various aspects, including the operation, repair, and maintenance of submarine power cable systems within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. This agreement is slated to remain active until June 1, 2028, or until definitive agreements are executed, or the MoU is mutually terminated.

SGEI, a pivotal player in Singapore's energy future, specializes in the development and operation of cross-border power interconnectors. Its mandate is to facilitate cross-border electricity trade and support the realization of the ambitious ASEAN Power Grid. This initiative is crucial for enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable energy development throughout the region.

The Unseen Backbone: Understanding Submarine Power Cables

At the heart of these ambitious cross-border energy projects lies the sophisticated technology of submarine power cables. These aren't just ordinary wires; they are highly engineered conduits designed to transmit vast amounts of electrical power across stretches of ocean or other bodies of water. The sheer scale and complexity involved in their design, manufacture, and deployment are immense.

What are they made of? Typically, a submarine power cable consists of a central conductor, usually made of copper or aluminum, chosen for their excellent electrical conductivity. This conductor is then surrounded by several layers, each serving a specific purpose. These layers include:

• Insulation: High-voltage cables require robust insulation to prevent electrical leakage and ensure safe power transmission. Materials like cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or paper impregnated with oil are commonly used. The insulation must withstand extreme pressures and temperatures found on the seabed.

• Semi-conducting layers: These layers are placed on either side of the insulation to smooth out the electric field and prevent localized stress points that could lead to breakdown.

• Metallic sheath/screen: Often made of lead, aluminum, or copper, this layer provides a return path for current and offers protection against water ingress.

• Armoring: Steel wires are helically wound around the cable to provide mechanical protection against external forces such as fishing trawlers, ship anchors, and seabed abrasion. This is a critical component for ensuring the cable's longevity and integrity in harsh underwater environments.

• Outer protective covering: This final layer, often made of polypropylene yarn or asphalt, provides additional protection against corrosion and abrasion during deployment and operation.

How do they work? Submarine power cables primarily function by transmitting either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). For long-distance, high-power transmission, High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables are often preferred due to lower energy losses over long distances compared to AC. HVDC systems require converter stations at both ends to transform AC power from the grid into DC for transmission and then back to AC at the receiving end.

The installation process Laying submarine cables is a complex and specialized operation involving dedicated cable-laying vessels. These ships carefully deploy the massive cables onto the seabed, often burying them to protect them from external damage. The precise route is meticulously surveyed beforehand to avoid obstacles and minimize environmental impact. Once laid, regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure uninterrupted power flow.

Expanding Collaborations for a Green Future

This recent MoU with Kim Heng is not Singapore's only venture into cross-border energy solutions. Earlier in June, it was reported that French energy major TotalEnergies and Singapore-headquartered RGE, a group active in the bio-based resources and energy sectors, had also signed an MoU with SGEI. Their collaboration focuses on jointly developing a subsea interconnector designed to facilitate electricity imports from Indonesia to Singapore, underscoring the growing importance of regional energy cooperation.

Further solidifying these initiatives, Singapore and Indonesia recently reinforced their bilateral cooperation. During the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat on June 16, a significant Milestone Ceremony for Project Development took place. This ceremony followed the signing of three governmental MoUs on June 13 by Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Tan See Leng, and Indonesia’s Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia. These agreements span critical areas: cross-border electricity trade (CBET), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and the establishment of a sustainable industrial zone (SIZ).

"Today’s milestone ceremony marks a shared commitment by Singapore and Indonesia to advance our cooperation in clean energy and decarbonization," stated Tan See Leng. "The three MOUs on CBET, CCS, and the SIZ will pave the way for impactful projects that boost economic growth, catalyze investments, create good jobs, and support our countries’ decarbonization plans. I look forward to working closely with Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Indonesian counterparts to transform our ambitions into action for both our countries and our peoples."

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