Singapore is considering the development of a pioneering renewable energy farm in the waters surrounding Raffles Lighthouse, with a feasibility study set to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) informed CNA that it has designated a 30-hectare area around the island for this initiative, which involves the installation of solar panels on the sea’s surface and tidal turbines beneath the water.
Experts note that this would be Singapore’s first large-scale facility to combine solar and tidal energy generation.
The annual energy output of the facility is expected to be sufficient to power approximately 1,000 four-room Housing Board flats, according to an expert.
This energy is likely to be used for charging electric harbour craft, aligning with forthcoming regulations aimed at decarbonizing the maritime sector.
Starting in 2030, all new harbour craft in Singapore will be required to be fully electric, utilize cleaner biofuels, or be compatible with net-zero fuels such as hydrogen.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions for all harbour and pleasure craft by 2050, supporting the nation’s climate goals.
On July 24, MPA issued a tender for the feasibility study of a maritime floating solar and tidal farm. The study will evaluate the environmental impact of the project and recommend measures to mitigate potential issues.
The tender documents indicate that the statutory board is seeking concepts that facilitate energy storage and the charging of electric harbour craft.
The farm’s energy generation capacity will depend on the conceptual design, which will be developed through the study, MPA added.
The agency also mentioned that insights from a proof-of-value project launched in May 2023, in collaboration with Bluenergy Solutions, will contribute to the study. This project explored harnessing hydrokinetic energy off Pulau Satumu as an alternative to using diesel for powering facilities that support Raffles Lighthouse.
Source: CNA