EMA to call for proposals to develop Pulau Ubin micro-grid
By Rachel Kelly, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 November 2009 1951 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA) is seeking proposals to design, build, and operate an intelligent micro-grid, with clean and renewable energy technologies on Pulau Ubin.

The expression of interest (EOI) is expected to be launched on Friday.

The announcement was made at the opening of this year's Clean Energy Expo, as part of the International Energy Week.

Rustic Pulau Ubin now counts on diesel to power its lights and electrical needs, but things will soon change. The micro-grid will leverage on renewable energy solutions to provide power to Pulau Ubin's population.

Earlier this year, the EMA engaged consultants to study the feasibility of introducing clean and renewable energy sources on Pulau Ubin to replace diesel generators.

The plan is to have the EMA and the interested party develop five inter-connected grids serving Pulau Ubin's north, south, east, west and jetty regions.

The first phase covering the jetty area is expected to start in 2010. Each grid is estimated to take about two years to complete.

David Tan, deputy chief executive, Energy Planning & Development, EMA said: "The whole purpose of the project is to supply electricity to the community on the island itself, as well as to testbed clean technology.

"The expression of interest will actually close within a month. Thereafter, we will work with the potential candidates who will develop the micro-grid."

The micro-grids will rely on renewable energy such as solar, biofuel, and micro wind turbines. Experts said the technology for such micro-grid projects could be exported and implemented in other parts of the region.

Woochong Um, director, Regional & Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank said: "When we talk about energy in the Asia Pacific, we talk about countries like India and China which is producing a lot of energy for mass use all over the place, especially for an urban setting.

"But we also have to be conscious of the over 1 billion people who do not have access to the modern form of energy.

"They are resorting to biomass, cutting trees, which has a massive impact on the environment as well as the health, and livelihood of these people. Such projects are part of that access to people, for people who do not have access."

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the sustainable energy associations of Singapore and Indonesia. The MOU will pave the way for joint ventures in carbon and solar projects between members of both associations.

- CNA/sc