Yes, in many cases. Singapore’s Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG), run by Enterprise Singapore, co-funds energy-efficient equipment for eligible businesses, and food services operators with a valid SFA licence are among the sectors covered. Until 31 March 2027, the base tier supports up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs (up to S$30,000 per company). Whether a particular cold room component qualifies depends on Enterprise Singapore’s pre-approved equipment list, so check it before you order anything.
What the Energy Efficiency Grant offers
According to Enterprise Singapore, the EEG has two tiers. The base tier covers pre-approved energy-efficient equipment, with support capped at S$30,000 per company. Until 31 March 2027 the government supports up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs and up to 30% for non-SMEs. The advanced tier is for selected sectors (currently construction and manufacturing) and can reach S$350,000 per company, but needs large lifetime energy savings.
The scheme was extended for one year from 1 April 2026. A Ministerial Statement in April 2026 also signalled that the base tier will expand to all sectors and run to 31 March 2028, with details to follow. Treat those later dates as announced direction, not yet final rules.
Who is eligible, and what that means for a cold room owner
Enterprise Singapore lists these conditions, which must all be met at the time of application:
- A business registered and operating in Singapore, in an eligible sector. For base-tier food services, that means a valid SFA licence.
- At least 30% local shareholding.
- Group annual sales turnover of no more than S$500 million.
- Equipment used in Singapore.
The point most owners miss is timing. Enterprise Singapore states that companies that have commenced procurement before applying may not be eligible. In practice, that means getting the grant application in before you sign a purchase order or pay a deposit, not after the cold room is installed.
Which cold room upgrades might qualify
The EEG page does not mention refrigeration specifically. Base-tier support applies only to equipment on the pre-approved list published on GoBusiness, so we cannot promise that any given item is covered. Typical upgrades worth checking against that list include:
- Higher-efficiency condensing units and compressors, including variable-speed models.
- EC (electronically commutated) evaporator fan motors, which draw less power than older shaded-pole motors.
- Better insulated panels and tighter door sealing when replacing a failing room (these may not be on the list, so confirm).
- Electronic expansion valves and smarter controllers.
The case for upgrading is stronger now that electricity costs are under pressure. See our guide on how the 2026 tariff rise affects cold room energy bills for the running-cost side of the equation.
How to apply without losing eligibility
- Check the pre-approved equipment list on GoBusiness for the exact make and model.
- Get itemised quotations. Enterprise Singapore requires a breakdown of fees.
- Apply through the Business Grants Portal (apply.gov.sg) before ordering or paying.
- Wait for approval, then proceed. A new application is needed if the vendor changes after approval, and separate applications are needed for different equipment types or models.
Documents may include vendor quotations, product brochures, tenancy or contractual agreements for the site, utility bills and financial statements. Resource SY can provide itemised quotations for cold room upgrades to support your application.
Frequently asked questions
Can a restaurant or food factory get a grant for a new cold room?
Possibly. Food services businesses with a valid SFA licence are an eligible base-tier sector, but the equipment itself must be on the pre-approved list. A whole custom cold room is unlikely to be listed as one item, so ask which components qualify.
How much can an SME claim under the EEG base tier?
Enterprise Singapore states support of up to S$30,000 per company, covering up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs until 31 March 2027.
Can I apply after the equipment is installed?
Generally no. Enterprise Singapore says companies that have commenced procurement before applying may not be eligible, so apply first.
Is the grant being extended beyond March 2027?
An April 2026 Ministerial Statement indicated the base tier will extend to 31 March 2028 and open to all sectors, with details to be shared later. Confirm the current terms on the Enterprise Singapore website before relying on this.
Where do I check current terms?
On Enterprise Singapore’s Energy Efficiency Grant page and the GoBusiness supported equipment list. Terms can change, so verify before applying.