HDB to test solar technology in 6 precincts [News]

By Joanne Chan, Channel NewsAsia, 7 Nov 2011.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) will be testing a more energy- and cost-efficient solar technology in six precincts islandwide next year.

Using Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin-film technology, the project is expected to cost S$4 million.

The solar panels will be installed in 20 to 25 HDB blocks, and collectively generate 1 MWp (megawatt peak) of electricity, enough to provide for 200 four-room flats.

Without direct sunlight, many traditional solar panels are unable to generate electricity efficiently. CIGS technology, which is more sensitive to light, may be the solution to erratic sun patterns. Read more

A*STAR’s Experimental Power Grid Centre to spur R&D collaborations for future energy and smart grid solutions [Press Releases]

1. Singapore, 1 November 2011. The Experimental Power Grid Centre (EPGC), one of the largest experimental power grid facilities in the world was officially opened in Singapore, today, by Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry.

2. Located on Jurong Island, EPGC, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR’s) centre for energy research is established to support Singapore’s goal toward developing a smart energy economy. The facility will pave the way for cutting-edge research and research collaborations with local and international partners to develop future energy technologies in areas of electrical power networks and energy distribution and renewable energy resources, for eventual commercialisation. Read more

Rising electricity prices take their toll on town councils [News]

By Ong Dai Lin and Ng Jing Yng, Today, 21 Sep 2011.

Town councils around the island are feeling the heat of rising electricity prices: The Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council, for instance, has seen its utility bill balloon to S$8.2 million in the last financial year, an increase of almost 40 per cent over the last five years.

But, even as town councils brainstorm ways – with at least one seeking suggestions from residents – to manage growing bills, town council chairmen Today spoke to reassured that, at this point, there was no need to consider raising residents’ service and conservancy charges (S&CC).

Mr Michael Palmer, who chairs the Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council, said the town council’s utility bill rose from S$15.76 million in FY2007/2008 to S$19.18 million in the last financial year. Read more

Sunseap bags HDB’s tender award to produce 2-MW solar power for Punggol eco-town [Press Releases]

Solar manufacturer and leasing services provider, Sunseap Group, today announced that its subsidiary, Sunseap Enterprises, has won the Housing Development Board’s (HDB) solar leasing tender contract to install and supply 2 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar system in Punggol eco-town. The lease option is believed to be the first-ever of its kind in Singapore and in the region. The program helps building owners stay competitive while doing the right thing for the environment.

A signing ceremony was held on 15 September 2011 at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh between Sunseap Enterprises and the statutory board. The tender is part of HDB’s Solar Capability Building Programme, supported by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development. The generated electricity from the solar panel will be used by Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council to power lights in common areas, lifts and pumps, among other services. Read more

Punggol eco-town to test-bed energy solutions for public housing [News]

By Dylan Loh, Channel NewsAsia, 1 Aug 2011.

One block of public housing in Singapore’s Punggol eco-town will be a test-bed for environmentally-friendly energy solutions.

The project is a collaboration between Japanese electronics giant Panasonic and government agencies – the Housing and Development Board, the Economic Development Board and the Energy Market Authority.

It aims to get 10 households in the block of HDB flats to participate and may include more homes later.

An integrated energy system will help families reduce their carbon footprint and utilities bill.

Energy-producing solar panels will be fitted on the block of flats and these will power lifts and lighting during the day. Read more

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