Vena Energy aims for Singapore power imports before 2030, sees huge potential in region

Singapore-based renewable energy developer Vena Energy is targeting a 2026 construction start for a 2GW solar and battery storage project in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, with plans to supply renewable electricity to Singapore before 2030.

The large-scale project is expected to cover approximately 2,000–2,200 hectares and will include a subsea power cable connecting Indonesia with Singapore. Construction is planned to be completed in phases by 2032.

According to Vena Energy CEO Nitin Apte, the project’s battery storage system is expected to exceed 8GWh, potentially making it the largest battery energy storage project of its kind in ASEAN.

Power Export to Singapore

Vena Energy plans to export up to 2.5TWh of electricity annually to Singapore, which would represent a significant contribution to the city-state’s growing demand for low-carbon electricity.

In August, Vena Energy signed a collaboration agreement with Shell Eastern Trading, under which Shell will explore the import of renewable electricity generated by the proposed Riau hybrid project. Shell is also in discussions with Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) regarding the necessary electricity import licence.

Singapore has set a target to import up to 4GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, creating new opportunities for large-scale renewable energy projects across Southeast Asia.

Strengthening the Renewable Energy Supply Chain

To support the development of the Riau project, Vena Energy has also established partnerships with major clean-energy technology providers, including Suntech Power, Powin and REPT Battero.

The collaboration covers solar modules, battery energy storage systems and battery cells, supporting the development of a broader renewable energy supply chain in the region.

Growing Investment in Southeast Asia

Vena Energy currently has a significant renewable energy development pipeline across the Asia-Pacific region, covering solar, onshore and offshore wind, and battery storage. The company is also exploring opportunities to scale up green hydrogen production.

The developer sees growing demand for renewable energy across the region, driven by declining renewable energy costs, increasing electricity demand and the need to accelerate decarbonisation.

The Riau Islands project highlights the increasing scale of cross-border renewable energy development in Southeast Asia, while demonstrating how large-scale solar and battery storage can support regional power integration and Singapore’s transition toward cleaner electricity.