Solar roofs are being considered at Jurong and Tuas ports to generate renewable energy

SINGAPORE – Land-strapped Singaporeans are seeking to maximise the amount of solar energy they can generate by considering building solar canopies at Jurong and Tuas ports.

Similarly, JTC Corporation, the government agency that oversees Singapore’s industrial space, plans to explore the possibility of erecting solar canopies over roads, car parks, canals and other open spaces in Singapore.

Experts say these initiatives, if proven feasible, could significantly boost Singapore’s solar energy potential, which is key to achieving the country’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Solar canopies are outdoor roof-like structures designed to support hanging solar panels while providing shelter and shade.

Examples include the roof over the main entrance to Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar, which has integrated solar panels that can generate up to 2 per cent of the building’s energy consumption, and the windbreaks at the Marina Bay waterfront promenade.

Singapore has said it aims to generate at least 2 gigawatts of peak capacity (GWp) of solar power by 2030, which should meet about 3% of the country’s projected electricity needs.

In the first quarter of 2024, the Republic achieved about 1.2 GWp.

On June 28, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the JTC announced tenders for consultants to conduct preliminary technical and economic feasibility studies for constructing solar canopies over various spaces in Singapore.

According to tender documents seen by The Straits Times, selected consultants will be required to submit design proposals for specific use cases in the MPA and JTC tenders and recommend installation locations for testing purposes.

MPA said the feasibility study is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025.

The JTC study is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and will last approximately 18 months.

According to its tender, JTC plans to develop solar shading systems that will cover expressways and major traffic arteries, as well as open channels and shelters.

Possible reference locations mentioned in the JTC tender include sections of the Ayer Rajah Expressway and roads such as Jurong Island Highway and Tuas South Avenue.

According to the tender, the structure of the solar roof must meet a number of requirements, including ensuring that the roof does not restrict visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

In response to questions, the JTC said more details would only be available once the study, which will be conducted with the support of the Energy Market Authority, Land Transport Authority, Ministry of National Defence, National Environment Agency, national water agency PUB and Sentosa Development Corporation, is completed.