Home / Environment / Singapore Unveils Giant Floating Solar Farm on Reservoir
Singapore Unveils Giant Floating Solar Farm on Reservoir
9 Sep
Summary
- Over 122,000 solar panels float on Tengeh Reservoir, powering water treatment.
- The 60 MWp farm reduces carbon emissions by 32,000 tonnes annually.
- Two-thirds of the reservoir remains open for wildlife and water functions.
Singapore has commissioned a significant floating solar farm at Tengeh Reservoir, a project featuring over 122,000 solar panels spread across 10 islands. This installation, covering approximately one-third of the reservoir's surface, boasts a capacity of 60 MWp. The generated electricity is directly utilized to support five local water treatment plants, integrating renewable energy with critical infrastructure.
The project is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by about 32,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing thousands of cars from the road. Crucially, two-thirds of Tengeh Reservoir remains open. Gaps between the solar panels allow sunlight and airflow to reach the water, and additional aerators help maintain dissolved oxygen levels, minimizing environmental impact.
Years of testing and environmental studies preceded the farm's development. A smaller 1 MWp testbed in 2016 provided data showing floating solar systems could perform 5-15% better than rooftop installations due to cooler conditions. This paved the way for the large-scale farm, which began construction in August 2020 and was completed in July 2021, despite pandemic challenges.
The Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm underscores Singapore's strategy to maximize renewable energy generation within its limited land area. By repurposing reservoirs, the nation addresses competing land needs while advancing its climate goals and ensuring water security.
