Enviro News Asia, Singapore — Singapore’s energy sector is projected to expand significantly over the next decade as new manpower demands emerge from the nation’s clean energy transition. Surveys commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) show sustained growth across both clean energy and traditional power segments, prompting coordinated workforce development efforts with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and industry partners.
EMA’s 2024 Energy Sector Manpower Survey indicates that clean energy companies expect their workforce to increase by about 60 percent—equivalent to roughly 1,000 additional workers—within ten years. Jobs related to solar deployment, energy storage systems, and low-carbon electricity imports will drive this surge. The traditional power and gas sector is also forecast to grow by around 13 percent, adding about 800 workers by 2034 as transmission, distribution, generation, and gas sub-sectors upgrade their capabilities.
A separate workforce planning study by EMA outlines evolving skill requirements needed to support Singapore’s energy transition. The findings identify a growing need for engineers trained in solar photovoltaic system design and optimisation to meet the national target of 2 GWp of installed solar by 2030. The sector will also require specialists capable of evaluating cross-border electricity import projects and managing related infrastructure. In the longer term, the power workforce must acquire competencies in future technologies such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and ammonia systems if they are adopted.
Data from 2022 to 2024 shows that the energy workforce has already increased by 4 percent, with notable growth among engineers—up nearly 13 percent—and technical officers—up almost 7 percent. EMA states that these trends reflect expanding opportunities for graduates and professionals entering the sector.
EMA Chief Executive Puah Kok Keong said the transition to net-zero would reshape manpower needs and create new pathways for youth and mid-career workers. He emphasised the agency’s commitment to strengthening the talent pipeline as the energy system decarbonises.
EMA has also refreshed its Clean Energy Jobs-Skills Insight resource, first launched in 2022 with SkillsFuture Singapore, to provide updated information on emerging roles and competencies. The resource outlines how new technologies are reshaping traditional energy operations and creating new career prospects.
To build workforce capabilities, EMA is collaborating with IHLs on new and upgraded training programmes. The Institute of Technical Education launched a Technical Engineer Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Clean Energy) in April 2025, which EMA recognises for licensing applications. Singapore Polytechnic and the Singapore Institute of Technology now offer continuing education courses focused on renewable energy integration and smart grid technologies.
For tertiary students, polytechnics have revised power engineering curricula and expanded internship pathways. Ngee Ann Polytechnic will require students to complete key power engineering modules within their first two years and has added a one-year Industry Immersion Internship that counts toward licensing requirements. EMA is coordinating student internships and mentorship programmes with industry partners to support recruitment efforts.
Industry players are also strengthening workforce training. Keppel has expanded its integrated power operations workforce by 30 percent and invested more than 3,650 hours in structured training. Sembcorp Solar Singapore—appointed the first SkillsFuture Queen Bee for the Energy and Power Sector—is partnering with Singapore Polytechnic to train up to 100 professionals by 2027 and develop AI-assisted technologies for solar farm inspection.
EMA states that it will continue collaborating with IHLs and industry partners to ensure a strong manpower pipeline capable of supporting Singapore’s long-term energy transition. (*)
