Enviro News Asia, Singapore — Singapore’s energy sector is entering a decade of expansion, with significant workforce growth and evolving career opportunities driven by the nation’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. According to manpower and workforce planning surveys commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the sector is projected to see strong employment growth across both clean and traditional energy segments.
Projected Workforce Growth and Skills Evolution
The 2024 Energy Sector Manpower Survey reveals that the clean energy workforce is expected to grow by 60% (about 1,000 workers) over the next decade. Key growth drivers include solar energy, energy storage systems, and low-carbon electricity imports. The traditional power and gas sectors will also expand by 13% (about 800 workers) by 2034, particularly in electricity transmission, distribution, power generation, and gas infrastructure.
EMA’s workforce planning study further highlights the types of expertise that will be in demand as Singapore progresses toward its net-zero target. The sector will require engineers proficient in solar photovoltaic (PV) design, energy optimization, and asset management to meet the national target of 2 GWp of installed solar capacity by 2030. Additionally, professionals skilled in assessing and managing low-carbon electricity import projects will be needed, alongside new expertise in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.
Between 2022 and 2024, the sector’s total workforce expanded by 4% (310 workers), led by strong growth in engineering and technical roles. Engineers increased by 13%, while technical officers rose by nearly 7%, reflecting a robust demand for specialized energy skills.
“Singapore’s journey to net-zero is not just a technological shift but also a driver for workforce transformation and expansion,” said Mr. Puah Kok Keong, Chief Executive of EMA. “We look forward to welcoming more youths and mid-career professionals to the energy workforce as we work to decarbonize electricity generation.”
Enhancing Skills Through Training and Collaboration
EMA is collaborating with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and industry partners to build a future-ready workforce capable of supporting the evolving energy landscape.
Key initiatives include:
- New Technical Engineer Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Clean Energy) by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), launched in April 2025, recognized by EMA for Licensed Electrical Technician applications.
- Continuing education and training courses by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) focusing on renewable energy integration and smart grid technologies.
- Revised curriculum and industry immersion programs by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to fast-track students toward licensing and professional readiness in the power engineering field.
EMA also facilitates internship and mentorship programs connecting students with energy companies, fostering early industry exposure and professional development.
Industry Commitment and Investment in Skills Development
Industry players have demonstrated strong commitment to workforce transformation.
- Keppel has expanded its integrated power operations workforce by 30%, delivering over 3,650 training hours focused on next-generation energy systems, AI-driven operations, and rotational skills assignments.
- Sembcorp Solar Singapore, designated as the first SkillsFuture Queen Bee for the Energy and Power Sector, is partnering with SP to train up to 100 professionals by 2027 in digital system design and data-driven solar performance analytics, while exploring AI-assisted robotic inspection for floating solar farms.
Supporting a Sustainable Energy Future
EMA and its partners will continue to strengthen training pipelines and professional pathways to ensure Singapore maintains a competent, innovative, and resilient energy workforce. As the nation advances toward its energy transition and net-zero goals, a strong, skilled workforce remains the cornerstone of Singapore’s green economy transformation. (*)
