The 5MW-peak system installation is expected to produce an estimated 6 million kilowatt hours of energy per year. It can potentially offset an estimated 4,258 tonnes of carbon dioxide, bringing the country closer to decarbonisation.
In land-scarce Singapore, the success of such a sea-based floating system could pave the way for more of such projects to tap energy from the sun here and in the region.
The solar farm is equipped with electrical panels, control systems and a 22 kilovolt transformer.
It is also a landing point for the subsea cable that transmits the generated power to the national grid.
The floating system is designed to withstand changing weather conditions, keeping the platform and all of the operational equipment on board steady.
There is also an air-conditioned second deck that doubles up as a visitor centre and viewing gallery.
Mr Frank Phuan, co-founder and chief executive officer of Sunseap Group, said: "This is an important milestone for Sunseap as we believe that offshore space like the sea, reservoirs, lakes... offers exciting opportunities for land-scarce and densely populated cities to tap solar energy. They are places that are unobscured from the sun and with low risks of vandalism or theft."
The project was more challenging compared with other land-based or rooftop installations due to the unpredictable nature of the open sea, the need to avoid shipping routes and the presence of barnacles, Sunseap said.
Marine expertise was also required for mooring installation and system design.
Nanyang Technological University's Energy Research Institute executive director Subodh Mhaisalkar noted the challenges surrounding this project: "One needs to contend with waves, tidal currents, as well as biofouling that grows rapidly in tropical waters."
Biofouling refers to the accumulation of unwanted micro-organisms like plants and algae on surfaces, resulting in degradation.
In addition to the mechanical anchoring considerations, electrical systems also need to be designed to transmit power to the shore, Professor Subodh said.
"This is a near-shore installation, but this experience of building such seawater solar farms at scale would be invaluable in venturing into installations that are in remote ocean areas that would not have competing use cases for shipping or recreation."
He added: "For Singapore to meet our ambitions for renewables deployment, and for the global efforts to reach carbon neutrality in the upcoming decades, such solutions that extend the opportunity to increase our solar output would have great international demand."
The Covid-19 restrictions last year posed an additional challenge as foreign workers hired by Sunseap's contractor were unable to leave their dormitories.
"I am so thankful to many members of our team who rolled up their sleeves to fill in the gap during this period. Their professionalism and esprit de corps were key to the successful completion of the project in the face of the numerous challenges," Mr Phuan said.
© 2021 Singapore Press Holdings
This article was written by Clara Chong from The Straits Times and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
