Singapore to import offshore solar energy from Indonesia

Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) has granted in-principle approval to PacificLight Power (PLP) for the 100MW pilot offshore solar import project.

The project, which aims to import offshore solar power from Indonesia to Singapore, is in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to increase renewable generation.

PLP is working on the project together with a consortium comprising Indonesian independent power producer Medco Power, Gallant Venture, and Salim Group.

The consortium signed a joint development agreement during the Singapore International Energy Week on 25 October 2021 in the presence of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia and Second Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore.

PLP said that the companies are in the advanced stages of developing a solar photovoltaic (PV) project that will supply renewable electricity exclusively to Singapore through the installation of solar panels at Bulan Island, two kilometres south-west off Batam Island, Indonesia.

The project is expected to have an installed generation capacity of 670 MWp in the initial phase, which will provide 100MW equivalent of non-intermittent electricity. The generated electricity will be supplied via a dedicated plant-to-grid 230 kV HVAC subsea connection to Singapore.

The project is said to play a pivotal role in meeting the Singapore government’s objectives to increase power generation from renewable sources and reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Scheduled for commissioning in 2024, it is expected to significantly increase the solar capacity available to Singapore from the current level of 430MWp.

“A number of large energy users have expressed keen interest to reduce their carbon footprint and Project Bulan will go a long way towards meeting their increasing desire for renewable energy. With the ability to add additional capacity as demand for renewable energy increases, we hope to play an important role in Singapore’s energy transition”, said Yu Tat Ming, CEO of PacificLight.

“We are delighted to be working with PacificLight and the Salim Group in the development of the Bulan Project. In addition to the benefits that the project brings to Singapore in achieving its renewable energy targets, this project also provides many benefits to Indonesia through the investment commitment, job and industry creation and technology transfer, especially in the Province of Kepulauan Riau”, added Eka Satria, CEO of Medco Power.