Singapore to develop floating renewable energy system

The partners are Keppel Infrastructure, through its applied technology innovation arm, KepInfra Energy Transition Centre (KETC), National University of Singapore, through its Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), through its Energy Research Institute.

The floating hybrid RES concept comprises modular offshore floating solar platforms with the flexibility to integrate other renewable energy technologies, such as ocean wave energy conversion systems, tidal energy turbines and paddles, as well as wind turbines.

The study entails exploring the deployment of the system at a particular offshore test site in Singapore waters, subject to the relevant regulatory approvals.

If successful, the parties plan to design and deploy a pilot system with at least 100 MW of renewable power generation capacity which can be scaled up over time. After implementing the novel system in Singapore, the aim is to roll-out the floating hybrid RES innovation to other regions in Asia and beyond.

The system could provide continuous 24/7 power output and offers higher capacity factor and a lower levelised cost of energy compared to single-source energy platforms. It also reduces the amount of marine space required and increases efficiency through the concurrent use of critical electrical infrastructures and combined operation and maintenance methodologies.

Keppel Infrastructure will leverage its expertise in developing and operating efficient and reliable energy and environmental infrastructure, electricity retailing, as well as the development of end-to-end low-carbon solutions including renewable energy systems. Its initiatives this year include commencing the trial importation of 100 MW of hydroelectric power through the Laos PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project; piloting Singapore’s first membrane-based nearshore floating photovoltaic system to be deployed in Jurong Island; and it recently launched Keppel Infrastructure @ Changi, Singapore’s first Positive Energy Building under the new Green Mark scheme.

SERIS and NTU will provide their know-how on the pontoon-based floating solar structure and its integration with other ocean renewable energy systems, as well as how to overcome the challenges of high wind and wave forces on the mooring and anchoring system; salinity on corrosion; and biofouling issues. In addition, SERIS will provide expertise in design, component selection, implementation and operation of the solar assets, while NTU will address tidal modelling with tidal flow conditions in the tropical belt of Singapore waters to assess power density.

Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel Infrastructure, said, “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.”