Overview of Methane in Singapore

Methane emissions represent 0.22% of Singapore’s total GHG emissions, amounting to 129 Gg CO₂-eq.

The energy sector is the main contributor, followed by industrial processes and product use (IPPU). Singapore has been a signatory to the Global Methane Pledge since 2021, with a particular focus on the energy sector (1). 

Although Singapore is not a major contributor to global methane emissions, the government has undertaken measures to reduce emissions from landfills, notably through the incineration of waste and wastewater sludge.

In the waste sector, the implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable waste management strategy—including waste-to-energy incineration—has resulted in waste shifting from a major contributor to one of the smallest contributors to methane emissions (2). 

Sources:

(1) Singapore BTR, 2024.

(2) Singapore 2nd NDC, 2025.

Singapore methane emissions by sector (2022):

- Energy: 86.4% (111.64 Gg CO2 eq)

- Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU): 10.1% (13 Gg CO2 eq)

- Agriculture: 2.1% (2.70 Gg CO2 eq)

- Waste: 1.4% (1.80 Gg CO2 eq)

The Energy sector is by large the main source of methane emissions, followed by IPPU. The agriculture and waste sectors contribute relatively smaller shares, representing less than 4% even combined.

Source: Calculated from Singapore BTR, 2024

Methane Emissions in Singapore

Here's a visual representation of estimated methane emissions in Singapore.

86.40% Energy
10.10% Industrial Use Processes and Product Use (IPPU)
2.10% Agriculture
1.40% Waste

Challenges and Solutions

In the energy sector, fuel combustion activities are the main contributors, particularly those related to energy industries and manufacturing and construction. This includes waste incineration processes used to produce electricity in Singapore, as well as the incineration of wastewater sludge.

In the IPPU sector, product uses as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances and the electronics industry account for the largest share of emissions, with CH₄ used in electronics manufacturing processes.

The government has taken steps to reduce CH₄ emissions from manufacturing processes in the electronics industry, notably through the adoption of emission control technologies (1).

However, challenges remain: although a decline was observed between 2010 and 2014, emissions increased again from 2015 to 2022, in correlation with rising emissions in the energy and IPPU sectors (2).

Sources: 

(1) Singapore BTR, 2024

(2) Singapore CTR, 2024

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