Sembcorp, PUB Ink 25-Yr PPA to Build Largest Floating Solar Plant in S’pore

With an aim to support Singapore’s 2 GWp target of installed solar capacity by 2030, Sembcorp Industries has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, to develop the country’s largest floating solar plant.

As per the deal, Sembcorp through its arm Sembcorp Floating Solar Singapore will develop a 60 MWp floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project on Tengeh Reservoir.

The move was in line with the PUB’s February announcement that it appointed Sembcorp to design, build, own and operate this project. Also, it is expected that this floating solar power plant will be fully operational by 2021.

Moreover, the project once operational will be the country’s largest, as well as one of the world’s largest, inland floating solar PV plant.

Commenting on the project, Ng Joo Hee, Chief Executive of PUB, said that “with this floating solar power plant, which we believe to be one of the largest single systems in the world, PUB takes a big step 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.”

According to the agreement signed, the company will deploy more than 1,46,000 solar panels at Tengeh Reservoir in Tuas, which will cover an area of approx 45 football fields. This project is estimated to generate electricity of about 16,000 four-room HDB flats for a year and offset about 32 kilotonnes of CO2 emissions per year, which is equivalent to taking approx 7,000 cars off the roads.

“As we continue to reshape our portfolio towards renewables, we are excited to apply our proven capabilities and innovations in this field on this landmark project. When complete, the Tengeh floating solar installation will not only represent a world-class engineering feat but also help to support Singapore’s solar target of 2 GWp by 2030,” said Neil McGregor, Group President & CEO of Sembcorp Industries.

Meanwhile, the electricity generated from this plant will meet the daily energy needs of PUB’s 5 local waterworks, including Marina Barrage.