A proposal for bilateral energy security, economic growth and climate cooperation
Discussion draft | October 2026
Proponent: CEWT
For consideration by the Government of Malaysia and Singapore’s Energy Market Authority
Executive proposal
CEWT proposes developing a Johor–Singapore Energy Corridor that combines renewable energy development in Johor with demand for reliable, lower-carbon energy in Singapore and southern Malaysia.
The corridor would seek to attract investment, create skilled employment, strengthen energy security and support the growth of industries such as data centres and advanced manufacturing. Its climate objective would be to deliver independently verified emissions reductions compared with the energy supply it replaces.
An initial project targeting 20 MW of delivered electricity would establish the commercial and operating model, with potential expansion to 50 MW and 100 MW, subject to demand, infrastructure access and demonstrated performance.
CEWT seeks support for a coordinated feasibility programme involving the relevant Malaysian and Singaporean authorities, prospective customers and investment partners. This would establish whether the corridor can deliver competitively priced, dependable energy with credible environmental benefits.
Why this opportunity matters
Malaysia and Singapore have complementary strengths. Johor offers a potential base for energy production, industrial development and associated infrastructure. Singapore offers substantial energy demand, financing capabilities and an established market for sophisticated energy services.
The Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone provides a relevant setting for this cooperation. Energy and the green economy are among its identified sectors, creating an opportunity to connect industrial growth with energy infrastructure development.
The proposed corridor would build on this bilateral direction while establishing its own commercial case and securing the necessary approvals.
The proposed corridor
The concept links renewable energy supply in Johor with energy storage and dependable electricity generation serving customers in the two countries.
CEWT proposes assessing its CRT concept as part of this system. In plain language, CRT would use hydrogen and recovered carbon dioxide to produce a gas fuel that can be stored and used to generate electricity when required. Where practical, useful heat could also support cooling or nearby industrial activity.
Its potential contribution is to make renewable energy available beyond the hours when it is produced. The feasibility programme must establish whether the value of storage, reliability and useful heat justifies the additional energy conversion and cost.
Two configurations would be assessed:
- Generation in Johor, with electricity supplied to Singapore through an approved cross-border arrangement.
- Hydrogen supplied from Johor to a Singapore generation facility, where local electricity and cooling benefits could justify the additional infrastructure.
Generation in Johor would be the initial focus for electricity export discussions. The final configuration would depend on comparative costs, safety, land availability, customer needs and regulatory acceptance.
Benefits for Malaysia
The corridor could create a new platform for investment in Johor’s energy and industrial economy.
Potential benefits include skilled jobs, workforce development, local business opportunities and long-term revenue from energy production and related services. Reliable energy infrastructure could also support industrial customers in Johor and strengthen the investment proposition of the Special Economic Zone.
The Malaysian development case must demonstrate adequate domestic energy provision, responsible use of land and water, and a fair distribution of economic benefits.
Benefits for Singapore
The corridor could provide an additional source of dependable energy and broaden Singapore’s supply options.
For customers such as data centres and advanced manufacturers, the proposed service would combine electricity supply with clearly defined reliability and environmental performance. A Singapore-based configuration could also provide useful cooling, where this is practical and commercially valuable.
These benefits would need to be demonstrated against Singapore’s requirements for affordability, security of supply and emissions performance.
Climate benefits and credibility
The corridor’s environmental value would depend on the emissions of the complete energy supply chain.
Renewable energy sourcing, hydrogen production, fuel processing, transport and electricity generation would all be included in an independent assessment. Recovering and reusing carbon dioxide may reduce the need for fresh carbon inputs, but it does not by itself establish zero emissions or permanent carbon removal.
The proposal therefore commits to measurable emissions performance, transparent reporting and safeguards against counting the same environmental benefit twice.
Establishing technical and economic feasibility
The concept combines established energy processes, but their integration into the proposed CRT system requires independent validation.
The commercial assessment would focus on the questions most relevant to governments and investors:
- Can the project deliver reliable electricity at a price customers will accept?
- Can renewable energy and hydrogen be secured on dependable, long-term terms?
- Is an approved cross-border delivery route available?
- Does the project achieve meaningful lifecycle emissions reductions?
- Can private investment support construction and operation under a bankable commercial structure?
The assessment would compare the corridor with alternatives, including direct renewable electricity supply supported by storage and other firming arrangements.
No investment return, electricity price or emissions reduction should be presented as established until this work is complete. The project should advance only where its combined benefits justify its full delivered cost.
Proposed development programme
CEWT proposes an initial 90-day feasibility programme, commencing once participants, funding and access to information are agreed.
The programme would:
- Confirm the project configuration, customer requirements and independent technical review.
- Seek preliminary guidance on Malaysian and Singaporean approval pathways and infrastructure access.
- Develop comparable cost estimates, commercial terms and lifecycle emissions assessments.
- Present a recommendation to proceed, redesign or stop, supported by clear evidence.
A successful first stage would lead to detailed development of the initial 20 MW project. Expansion would follow demonstrated operating performance, customer commitments and additional infrastructure approvals.
Support requested
CEWT requests support to convene an initial bilateral scoping discussion and identify appropriate agency focal points.
The immediate purpose is to establish a practical route for feasibility assessment, customer engagement and regulatory consultation. Construction funding and investment decisions would follow a separate, evidence-based review.
The Johor–Singapore Energy Corridor offers an opportunity to turn complementary national strengths into shared economic and environmental value. A disciplined feasibility programme would establish whether that opportunity can become an investable project.
