Pulau Ubin Micro-grid Test Bed

EMA is piloting a micro-grid test-bed at the jetty area of Pulau Ubin, an island north-east of Singapore. This test-bed aims to assess the reliability of electricity supply within a micro-grid infrastructure using intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.

Unlike conventional power generators, solar power is intermittent in nature as the amount of energy produced is dependent on weather conditions. This challenge needs to be carefully managed to ensure reliability of supply to consumers, especially when solar forms an increasing part of Singapore’s overall energy mix in future.

Since October 2013, about 30 participants from around the jetty area have signed up to voluntarily take part in this test-bed. They include various businesses (e.g. restaurants and bicycle shops), telecommunications base stations, residential premises and government agencies.

Thanks to this test-bed, they have been enjoying a cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity supply from a micro-grid incorporating clean and renewable energy sources such as solar PV technology. In the past, residents and businesses at the jetty area of Pulau Ubin relied on their own diesel generators for their electricity needs.

The test-bed will also provide a platform for local companies and research institutions to develop and pilot energy-related technologies and solutions. This will help build local capabilities in the area of micro-grid design, energy management and energy storage. The test-bed will also showcase how such micro-grid technologies and solutions could be adopted for off-grid communities in the region.

The micro-grid was built by a local consortium comprising Daily Life Renewable Energy Pte Ltd (DLRE) and OKH Holdings Pte Ltd (OKH). The latter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SGX mainboard-listed OKH Global Ltd.

What Does the Current Test-Bed Cover?

The micro-grid test-bed will bring about more cost-competitive and cleaner electricity, with improved scalability and reliability for both residents and businesses in Pulau Ubin.

• Clean energy - The micro-grid test-bed incorporates clean and renewable energy sources such as solar PV technology.
• Reliable electricity supply - Continuous and reliable supply of electricity to end-users.
• Cost-competitive electricity - Electricity is provided by the consortium at a competitive price of $0.80 per kWh that is lower than what end-users paid when they used their own diesel generators. Any changes to the prices require EMA's approval.
• Scalability - End-users can consider higher load electrical appliances such as refrigerators and airconditioners. This will enable businesses to expand their operations and operating hours.

Phase 2 of the Pulau Ubin Micro-grid Test-bed - Request for Proposals (RFP)

Phase 2 of the test-bed will leverage on the Phase 1 micro-grid infrastructure to provide a platform for companies and research organisations to develop and pilot energy-related technologies. EMA is now seeking White Papers in areas such as energy analytics, energy storage and grid asset management under Phase 2 of the test-bed.

The RFP document, providing more information on the scope of Phase 2 and the White Paper submission format, can be downloaded here. All White Papers must reach EMA by 12 noon (Singapore time), 10 Oct 2014.

The content and more can be viewed on the EMA website at this link.