Energy and Chemicals

Strong R&D ecosystem

Singapore supports bio-based research and development through institutes like A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (A*STAR SIFBI), NUS' Synthetic Biology Centre, and the National Centre for Engineering Biology, offering deep expertise in strain engineering and downstream processing.

Fast-growing market segment

This market is still nascent compared to traditional fossil-based chemicals but is expanding quickly, with a projected annual growth rate of 10 per cent over the next five years.

Regional bio-feedstock access

We have direct access to agricultural and waste feedstock sources in nearby countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and China, with established infrastructure to support processing and distribution.

Green utilities and infrastructure

Singapore offers access to wastewater treatment capacity, a reliable fresh water supply, and an increasingly green electricity grid — all of which are essential to support sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Biopharma capabilities transfer

Our established capabilities in biopharmaceutical research and production provide a strong foundation for scale-up in bio-based chemical development, particularly in strain engineering.

World-scale manufacturing base

Global companies such as Arkema, Mitsui Chemicals, and SABIC have chosen Singapore for the production of advanced polymers and resins, including PA-11, TAFMER elastomers, and high-heat resins like PEI and TPI.

Applications across growth sectors

Specialty materials produced here are used in industries including smart mobility, recyclable food packaging, 5G electronics, health and hygiene, and green construction — driven by Asia's growing consumer base.

Advanced infrastructure on Jurong Island

Our plug-and-play chemical ecosystem on Jurong Island offers integrated production sites, streamlined logistics, and direct access to feedstocks and supply chains.

Dedicated innovation support

Companies benefit from innovation support through RIE2030, with S$37 billion set aside for research and commercialisation. This includes access to A*STAR and local institutes of higher learning for co-development.

Regulatory tailwinds for SAF

From 2026, all departing flights from Singapore will need to uplift at least one per cent SAF, with targets rising to three to five per cent by 2030, creating predictable local demand.

Aviation decarbonisation leader

Singapore's SAF ecosystem supports our national net-zero ambitions and airline partners' sustainability goals, underpinned by robust cold-chain and pharmaceutical logistics infrastructure.

Strategic access to feedstock

We are well positioned near major agricultural waste and residue suppliers in the Asia-Pacific region, allowing us to secure sustainable inputs efficiently.

World's largest SAF producer

With Neste's €1.6 billion expansion in Tuas, Singapore has become the world's largest producer of sustainable aviation fuel, capable of producing up to one million tonnes per year.

Advanced pre-treatment capacity

Neste's expanded site features enhanced capabilities for pre-treating challenging waste-based raw materials, supporting a wider range of SAF and biofuel feedstocks.