Beneath the City: Exploring Singapore’s First 230kV Underground Electricity Substation
The largest underground substation in Southeast Asia.

Image for illustration purposes.
In a groundbreaking move for Southeast Asia, Singapore has unveiled its first 230kV underground substation near Labrador Park. This innovative project, managed by SP PowerGrid, combines a large-scale substation with a 34-storey commercial tower above it, marking a significant step in urban land optimisation.
The substation, occupying an area equivalent to four football fields, will serve the electricity needs of Singapore’s south-western region, including Alexandra, Clementi, Keppel, Pasir Panjang, and the Science Park district. It represents a crucial part of Singapore’s electricity network, transforming high-voltage electricity from power plants into safe levels for homes and businesses while managing power distribution.
The project, conceived in 2014, faced numerous challenges. Building underground required specialised equipment suitable for subterranean use and innovative solutions for maintenance in confined spaces. One notable feat was the installation of a 180-tonne transformer, equivalent to the weight of 90 cars, into its custom-built underground chamber.
Unlike above-ground substations that rely on natural ventilation, this facility employs special water-cooling systems for its gas-insulated transformers. This design necessitated extra precautions to ensure safety, given the proximity of water to electrical equipment.
The construction, which began in early 2019, encountered additional hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite restrictions and worker confinement, the team adapted their methods to mitigate impacts on the project’s progress.
Collaboration was key to the project’s success. SP PowerGrid worked closely with various government agencies, managing everything from land acquisition to road diversions for equipment transportation. At its peak, the project involved a workforce of nearly 2,000.
Source: Energy Market Authority of Singapore
#230kV#commercial development#COVID-19 challenges#Electrical safety#Electricity distribution#energy infrastructure#gas-insulated transformers#high-voltage equipment#infrastructure integration#land optimisation#power transmission#Singapore power grid#subterranean engineering#sustainable urban development#transformer installation#underground substation#urban planning#urban renewal#urban space utilisation#water-cooling systems