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. The 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.

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

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

The Test-bed also provides a platform for 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 can 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.

• Cleaner energy - The Micro-grid Test-bed incorporates clean and renewable energy sources such as solar PV technology.
• Reliable electricity supply - End-users enjoy a continuous and reliable supply of electricity.
• Cost-competitive electricity - Electricity is provided by the consortium at a competitive price of $0.80 per kWh. This is lower than what end-users paid using their own diesel generators.
• Scalability - End-users can consider higher load electrical appliances such as refrigerators and air-conditioners. This will enable businesses to expand their operations and operating hours.