Electricity Generation
The Electricity Generation Licence is required by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) for entities intending to generate electricity in Singapore. This licence is valid for 30 years, with processing times ranging from 4 to 6 months depending on project complexity and the completeness of submitted documents.
- Validity
- 30 years
- Processing time
- up to 4 to 6 months (depending on the complexity of the project) upon full submission of supporting documents and receipt of complete information, unl
- Issuing authority
- ENERGY MARKET AUTHORITY (EMA)
Need help applying for this licence?
We handle the full application — document prep, agency liaison, follow-up — alongside your incorporation.
Who needs the Electricity Generation
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 35 — ELECTRICITY, GAS, STEAM AND AIR-CONDITIONING SUPPLY
Includes: 35101 Generation of electricity from non-renewable sources, 35102 Generation of electricity from renewable sources, 35103 Transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, 35200 Manufacture of gas; distribution of gaseous fuels through mains; processing of natural gas
What's involved in getting the Electricity Generation
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Electricity Generation Licence enables businesses to generate electricity for sale in Singapore. This is crucial for companies looking to enter the energy market and contribute to the local power supply.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. These include the submission of audited financial statements for the past two years, which should encompass income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. A comprehensive financing plan detailing sources of capital and repayment schedules is also required. Additionally, the applicant must provide an organisation chart along with resumes of key personnel, and acceptance of proposed electricity and gas connection schemes if applicable. An ACRA Business Profile is also necessary, along with any other supporting documents.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Energy Market Authority reviews the application based on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documentation. This includes assessing financial viability through the audited statements and evaluating the proposed connection schemes. The agency may also conduct further inquiries or require additional information to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Electricity Generation Licence can stall for several reasons. Incomplete documentation is a frequent issue, particularly if financial statements or the financing plan are missing or not up to standard. Additionally, discrepancies in the proposed connection schemes or failure to meet the agency's requirements regarding key personnel qualifications can lead to delays. Ensuring all documents are thorough and accurate is essential to avoid these pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Audited statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and credit statement
- Past 2 years' audited financial statements which could include income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and credit statement or credit rating (if any), including any history of bankruptcy or financial distress.
- Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- Financing plan with details of sources of capital and repayment schedule
- Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- Applicant's acceptance of the proposed electricity connection scheme
- Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- Organisation chart including resume and curriculum vitae (CV) of key appointment holders
- Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- Applicant's acceptance of the proposed gas connection scheme (if gas is used as a fuel for the generating unit)
- Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- Applicant's ACRA Business Profile
- Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- Other supporting documents (if any)
Electricity Generation FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Electricity Generation Licence is mandatory for any entity intending to generate electricity in Singapore. Without this licence, a business cannot legally operate in the electricity generation sector.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can generate electricity for sale in Singapore. This opens up opportunities to participate in the energy market and supply power to consumers and businesses.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Electricity Generation Licence can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines and the potential shutdown of operations. It is crucial to obtain the necessary licence before commencing any electricity generation activities.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Electricity Generation Licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to incorporate your business first, as the licence application will require your ACRA Business Profile and other company-related documents.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Applications lacking necessary financial statements, financing plans, or other required documents often face delays or outright rejection.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Electricity Generation Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Energy Market Authority.
Get a quote — incorporation + this licence
We package this with your company setup so you launch with the licence already approved.
Other EMA licences
Electricity Retailer
The Electricity Retailer Licence is required by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) for businesses intending to operate as electricity retailers in Singapore. The licence is valid for up to 10 years, with processing typically taking 8 weeks upon full submission of supporting documents.
Electricity Wholesaler
The Electricity Wholesaler Licence is issued by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in Singapore for entities involved in the wholesale trading of electricity. This licence does not have an expiration date, and processing typically takes up to 30 working days upon full submission of supporting documents.
Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer
The Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer licence is issued by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in Singapore for businesses involved in the shipping, retailing, or importing of gas. The licence is valid for up to 10 years, with processing typically taking 8 weeks upon full submission of supporting documents.
Other Electricity and Gas licences
The Other Electricity and Gas Licences are issued by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in Singapore for entities involved in the electricity and gas sectors. The validity of these licences varies, typically ranging from 10 to 30 years, with processing taking up to 8 weeks upon complete submission of required documents.