The Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore’s national water agency, has initiated a tender for the development of a 55 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) system at Pandan Reservoir. This project is a part of PUB’s broader strategy to transition from carbon-based energy sources to renewable energy, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to sustainability.

The tender, which will remain open until September 26, encompasses various aspects, including engineering, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of the floating solar panel system. This will be PUB’s second large-scale FPV project, following the successful implementation at Tengeh Reservoir in 2021, which boasts a slightly higher capacity of 60 MWp.

The Pandan Reservoir project is anticipated to be completed by 2028. The installation of floating solar panels will cover approximately 22 percent of the reservoir’s surface area. Once operational, the system is expected to generate sufficient solar energy to power around 16,000 four-room HDB flats, significantly contributing to Singapore’s renewable energy goals. Additionally, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 27 kilotonnes annually, which is equivalent to removing about 5,800 cars from the roads.

Since 2015, PUB has been actively installing solar photovoltaic systems on the rooftops of various water infrastructure facilities and on the surfaces of reservoirs. These efforts include small-scale pilot projects at Bedok Reservoir and Lower Seletar Reservoir, along with systems installed on the roofs of Bedok Waterworks and Changi Water Reclamation Plant.

With the increasing emphasis on sustainable energy solutions, the floating solar panel project at Pandan Reservoir marks a significant advancement in Singapore’s renewable energy landscape. The initiative aligns with the country’s objectives to enhance energy efficiency and mitigate environmental impact while ensuring adequate space for recreational water activities post-installation.