Metatek’s integrated airborne and ground-based geophysical surveys have contributed to Singapore’s nationwide geothermal assessment, with preliminary findings presented by the country’s energy minister, Dr Tan See Leng, at Singapore International Energy Week. The survey programme provided critical subsurface information to identify potential geothermal targets and support decisions on locations for future exploratory drilling. The findings mark an important development in evaluating whether underground heat resources could become part of Singapore’s domestic low-carbon energy supply.
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) reported that the country’s initial estimated geothermal resource potential exceeds 60 times its current annual electricity consumption of approximately 60 terawatt-hours. The authority is undertaking additional feasibility studies to determine how this potential could be utilised. However, the figure represents technical resource potential, and further investigations will be necessary to validate the findings and establish the amount of energy that can realistically be extracted. Metatek contributed to the assessment through geophysical data acquisition and processing as part of a consortium led by global urban and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong. Energy supermajor Chevron subsequently used the processed data to develop a three-dimensional geological and heat-resource model of Singapore. The wider investigation examined geothermal resources at depths of up to 10 kilometres.
The programme combined airborne Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (eFTG) with magnetic surveying, followed by ground-based magnetotelluric surveying to examine subsurface electrical resistivity and conductivity. Metatek operates the eFTG technology exclusively worldwide. The combined datasets provided information about subsurface density variations, magnetic properties and electrical characteristics, strengthening the geological understanding required for geothermal exploration. The passive surveying techniques measured naturally occurring gravitational, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, allowing the team to develop a three-dimensional subsurface picture without exploratory drilling or active seismic sources during data collection. This approach was particularly relevant to Singapore’s densely developed urban environment, where minimising disruption to communities, infrastructure and the natural environment was an important consideration. The eFTG system’s resolution and wide dynamic range also helped recover geological signals despite aircraft movement in turbulent conditions. Survey-quality data was collected across the turbulence conditions encountered during safe and authorised flight operations. Coordination with Singapore’s air traffic control teams enabled survey flights to operate within the country’s busy and tightly controlled airspace. Detailed planning and cooperation between airborne and ground operations helped Metatek complete the programme on time and within budget. Beyond geothermal assessment, the original EMA study brief also considered the potential application of the geological information for subsurface geological CO₂ storage.
Metatek Chief Executive Officer Dr Mark Davies said: “Seeing the findings highlighted at Singapore International Energy Week is a proud moment for our team. The real value of this work lies in how the information is used: helping Singapore make better-informed decisions about where to drill, where to invest and how a potential domestic energy resource might contribute to its clean-energy ambitions. Delivering that understanding takes more than advanced technology. It takes experienced people and effective partnerships. I would like to thank EMA for entrusting our consortium with this important national program. I am also grateful to our team, our consortium partners and Singapore’s air traffic control teams for the expertise and collaboration that made it possible.”