Sembcorp, PUB start construction of floating solar farm on Tengeh Reservoir

A WHOLLY-OWNED unit of Sembcorp Industries, Sembcorp Floating Solar Singapore, and Singapore's national water agency PUB on Tuesday announced the start of construction of a 60 megawatt-peak floating solar photovoltaic system on Tengeh Reservoir.

The project will result in what is said to be one of the world's largest inland floating solar photovoltaic farms, enabling Singapore to integrate green technology with water treatment.

It will also help the nation to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and thus carbon emissions, as well as build up national climate resilience for a more sustainable future, PUB and Sembcorp said in a joint statement.

When the project begins full commercial operations in 2021, the amount of clean energy generated will be sufficient to power PUB's local water treatment plants, offsetting 7 per cent of the agency's annual energy needs.

The project follows positive trial outcomes and environmental studies that showed floating solar panels have minimal impact on the reservoir's water quality and biodiversity, PUB and Sembcorp said.

While solar energy is Singapore's most viable renewable energy source, large-scale deployment of solar panels is challenging due to the country's dense urban landscape and limited land.

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PUB's large expanse of water bodies and reservoirs can now serve the dual purpose of water catchment and electricity generation, they added.

PUB chief executive Ng Joo Hee said the project was "a big step" for the agency towards enduring energy sustainability in water treatment.

"Solar energy is plentiful, clean and green, and is key to reducing PUB's and also Singapore's carbon footprint," he said.

Sembcorp Industries group president and chief executive Wong Kim Yin added that the project, which features the deployment of advanced technological and system innovations, will enhance Singapore's global position in renewable energy production.

These innovations include a digital monitoring platform featuring safety cameras, live video monitoring, dashboards and alerts that helps track environmental factors such as wind speed, solar irradiation and ambient temperature, and detects abnormalities that may indicate potential overheating and fire hazards.

Staff will be able to monitor the system remotely via a mobile app, allowing maintenance teams to be swiftly deployed when required.

In addition, every component of the system was carefully designed and selected based on Singapore's climate conditions to maximise energy generation, minimise environmental and water quality impact, and be durable enough to fulfil a service lifespan of 25 years, PUB and Sembcorp said.

This includes the use of double-glass photovoltaic modules - instead of the single-glass variant commonly used for rooftop installations - to enhance durability in a wet and humid environment, and UV-resistant, certified food-grade quality, high density polyethylene floats to prevent degradation from intense sunlight exposure.

The commencement of construction is not expected to have a material impact on the earnings per share and net asset value per share of Sembcorp Industries for FY20.

Sembcorp Industries shares ended Monday at S$1.89, down S$0.02 or 1 per cent.