PUB explores solar deployment at reservoirs and facilities

PUB said on Monday that it was embarking on a nine-month feasibility study to determine the solar deployment potential at its reservoirs and facilities.

"With Singapore reaching a critical mass for solar installations coupled with the declining cost of solar technology, PUB wants to ride on this wave and explore how some of our reservoirs can support floating solar systems,'' said Tan Nguan Sen, chief sustainability officer, PUB.

"Through this study, PUB is keen to explore how we can balance the installation of solar panels on water surface with other competing water activities at our reservoirs,'' he added.

The S$338,000 study is conducted by a consortium led by WEnergy Global Pte Ltd, with SMS Consulting Engineers Pte Ltd and Progressive Engineering & Management as consortium members.

Ten reservoirs will be studied. PUB said these reservoirs, with their open surface area, offer much potential for solar energy generation - identified as a key renewable energy source that has high potential for large-scale deployment in Singapore.

The study will assess the extent to which solar panels can be installed and the solar yield achievable before proposing a business model and implementation plan. Besides reservoirs, the study will also look into the solar deployment potential at land-based facilities such as waterworks and water reclamation plant.