Singapore’s Pulau Ubin is shifting to green energy, reducing its carbon emissions and reliance on diesel generators.
Environmental challenge
Pulau Ubin, a quaint island in the north-east of Singapore, has historically depended on diesel generators to power its main village. This reliance not only posed environmental risks but also created a dependency on a non-renewable energy source. The island's residents and businesses endured unreliable and inconsistent power which impeded community development while also contributing to significant carbon emissions.
Purpose and strategy
To tackle these issues, EDP Renewables APAC, in collaboration with the Energy Market Authority, greened Pulau Ubin’s Green Micro-grid project with renewable sources. This initiative introduces a Solar Green Roof and a 1 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System (VRB ESS), delivering a dependable, renewable energy source to over 30 households and businesses in the island’s main village.
By drastically reducing their dependence on diesel, the project has slashed annual diesel consumption by about 100,000 litres and avoided 268,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
This endeavour not only supports Singapore’s ambitious decarbonisation goals but also demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can drive impactful results. The Pulau Ubin Green Microgrid project underscores EDP Renewables' dedication to advancing clean energy solutions while upholding environmental stewardship and profitability.
Impact and innovation
The Pulau Ubin Green Micro-grid project excels in its dual focus on innovation and sustainability. The Solar Green Roof, featuring a 328kWp solar photovoltaic system, is enhanced by greenery planted beneath the panels to regulate ambient temperatures, boosting efficiency by up to 4%. Additionally, the project introduces Singapore’s first utility-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System. This cutting-edge technology, with a lifespan of up to 25 years, offers significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as reduced fire risks and enhanced long-term sustainability, which makes it most suitable for remote and off-grid environments such as Pulau Ubin.
By diminishing the island’s reliance on diesel, the project has provided Pulau Ubin’s residents with a stable, clean energy source, fostering a more resilient community. It also serves as a pioneering model for future green energy solutions on off-grid islands across the Asia Pacific, where similar micro-grid systems could aid in decarbonising other island communities.
Future outlook
Looking ahead, EDP Renewables APAC is exploring opportunities with the Energy Market Authority to extend the green microgrid system beyond Pulau Ubin’s main village, potentially covering the entire island. This expansion would further integrate renewable energy into the local micro-grid, bolstering energy security and advancing Singapore’s sustainability objectives. The success of this project highlights the potential for scaling similar innovations across the region, accelerating the energy transition in Asia Pacific.
