EirGrid signs cooperation agreement with Singapore’s energy authority: interconnection, markets and renewables

EirGrid, the operator of Ireland’s electricity transmission system, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore’s energy market authority, according to Singapore Business Review and Asian Power. The agreement covers cooperation on electricity market design, power system management and the energy transition.

What the agreement covers. The two bodies will exchange expertise on cross-border electricity interconnection, including subsea power cables, and on renewable power generation. Planned activities include knowledge sharing, training and staff exchanges, as well as joint dialogues and workshops. According to Energynews.pro, the document mentions neither a financial amount nor a specific infrastructure project.

What the parties say. “As Singapore transitions towards a more diversified energy mix, ensuring a reliable and resilient power system will become increasingly important,” said Puah Kok Keong, chief executive of EMA, quoted by Singapore Business Review. He added that Ireland’s experience in integrating renewable energy and managing electricity interconnection offers valuable lessons for Singapore. Liam Ryan, Chief Energy Transition Officer at EirGrid, said that growing interconnection between energy systems makes international cooperation increasingly important, and that the agreement aims to share expertise between the two countries.

Context. According to data published by EirGrid on 5 November, renewables covered 48% of Ireland’s electricity demand in October and wind 40%; imports via interconnectors supplied 13%. The operator says the Irish system can currently run on up to 75% renewable power at any one time and plans to raise that limit to 95%.

What comes next. The memorandum is a technical cooperation agreement. The publications that reported it did not specify its duration or the date and place of signing.

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