Pulau Ubin micro-grid to be platform for energy-related technologies

Channel NewsAsia 20 Aug 14;

SINGAPORE: The development of energy-related technologies is the focus for the next phase of the Pulau Ubin Micro-grid Test-bed. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) announced on Wednesday (Aug 20) the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP), calling on companies and research organisations to leverage on the Micro-grid Test-bed to pilot innovative technologies.

This phase will be a chance to “extract useful learning points to prepare our power grid for a larger scale deployment of solar energy in Singapore”, said EMA Chief Executive Chee Hong Tat. “This includes the development of technology solutions to overcome challenges associated with the intermittent nature of solar energy.”

Phase 1 saw the construction of micro-grid infrastructure at Pulau Ubin’s jetty area by a local consortium comprising Daily Life Renewable Energy Pte Ltd and OKH Holdings Pte Ltd. This involved the integration of technologies such as solar photovoltaic, energy storage and control systems, and the system was completed in 2013.

As a result, more than 30 business-owners and residents in this area now pay relatively more competitive prices for the electricity supply from the micro-grid, compared to what they were paying when using their own diesel generators, said EMA.

Under Phase 2, this existing infrastructure will serve as a platform for trying out innovative technologies in areas such as energy analytics, energy storage and grid asset management. Propsals are to be submitted by noon on Oct 10. The RFP can be downloaded here.

- CNA/xy