A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to examine the technological and financial viability of a hybrid offshore floating solar park coupled with Singapore’s ocean, tidal, and wind capacity. The following three Singapore-based entities have agreed upon an MoU.
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, through Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N)
- Keppel Infrastructure, through its applied technology innovation division KepInfra Energy Transition Centre (KETC)
- National University of Singapore (NUS), through the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS)
The MoU is a collaborative study on the technology and financial viability of developing a first-of-its-kind floating hybrid renewable energy system (RES) for Southeast Asian island nation and city-state operations.
The Asia Clean Energy Summit 2022, a part of the Singapore International Energy Week hosted at Marina Bay Sands, witnessed the study’s understanding agreement signing.
Subject to regulatory approval, the floating hybrid renewable energy system (RES) concept consists of offshore modular floating solar platforms integrated with other renewable energy sources at a specific offshore test site in Singapore waters. The partners intend to build and implement a pilot system with at least 100 MW of renewable generating capacity if the study is successful.
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“With limited land space in Singapore, moving into waters offshore presents opportunities to unlock the potential for more diversified renewable energy sources, thereby enhancing energy security and supporting Singapore’s transition to a greener energy mix. This is in line with Keppel’s Vision 2030, which puts sustainability at the core of the Group’s strategy,” said Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel Infrastructure.
“Keppel Infrastructure is constantly pushing the envelope to accelerate energy innovations by engaging with stakeholders and partnering with leading research institutes. We are pleased to embark on this joint study and co-creation of an innovative floating hybrid renewable energy system to be deployed in suitable offshore locations around Singapore.
When the ocean and sun cross paths
Keppel Infrastructure will make use of its skills in the creation and management of effective and dependable energy and environmental infrastructure, in the retailing of power, and the creation of comprehensive low-carbon solutions, such as renewable energy systems. Its projects for this year include starting the Laos PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project’s trial importation of 100 MW of hydroelectric power, deploying Singapore’s first membrane-based nearshore floating photovoltaic system in Jurong Island, and just starting Keppel Infrastructure @ Changi, Singapore’s first Positive Energy Building under the new Green Mark programme.
While ERI@N will handle tidal modelling with tidal flow conditions in the tropical belt of Singapore seas to determine power density, SERIS will offer expertise in design, component selection, implementation, and management of the solar assets.
Madhavi Srinivasan, executive director of ERI@N, said, “The deployment of the renewable energy system in offshore conditions will face challenges such as environmental loads, biofouling and corrosion. We have unique expertise and the necessary experience that will be critical in resolving such issues, gained from deploying tidal turbines in Singapore.”
“Through this tripartite partnership, we hope to contribute our experience in hybrid renewable energy solutions and to advance this cutting-edge technology together with our partners.”
Furthermore, the pontoon-based floating solar structure’s integration with other ocean renewable energy systems, strategies for overcoming the difficulties of high wind and wave forces on the mooring and anchoring system, salinity on corrosion, and biofouling issues, will be covered by SERIS and ERI@N.
According to Dr Thomas Reindl, Deputy CEO of SERIS, “As one of the leading research institutes on Floating Solar worldwide, SERIS is very excited to provide its expertise to this novel approach of integrating Floating Solar with other renewable energy solutions. We had been moving our research focus from in-land reservoirs to offshore structures quite some time ago, and given the limited sea space in Singapore, we need to utilise the same space twofold or even multiple times.”
Compared to single-source energy platforms, an offshore floating hybrid renewable energy system that uses complementary energy sources like sun, wind, and waves can deliver continuous 24/7 power output, a better capacity, and a lower levelized cost.
Additionally, it is said to increase efficiency by simultaneously using vital electrical infrastructures and unified operation and maintenance procedures while reducing the amount of sea area needed.
