In April 2025, Sembcorp Industries announced a 25-year Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement (REPA) between its wholly owned subsidiary, Sembcorp Solar Singapore Pte Ltd, and Malkoha Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Meta Platforms Inc. Under this agreement, Sembcorp will develop, own, and operate a 150 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system on Kranji Reservoir in Singapore. The renewable energy generated will support Meta’s regional operations, including its data centers in Singapore. Construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2027, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
This project is slated to become Singapore’s largest floating solar installation, surpassing the existing 60 MWp system at Tengeh Reservoir. Floating solar PV systems are particularly suitable for land-scarce countries like Singapore, as they utilize water surfaces for energy generation, thereby conserving land space. Additionally, these systems offer environmental benefits, such as reduced water evaporation and minimal disruption to aquatic ecosystems.
An environmental impact assessment conducted prior to the project’s approval concluded that the installation of solar panels on Kranji Reservoir is unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the local biodiversity. To mitigate potential impacts, only 21.5% of the reservoir’s surface area will be covered with solar panels, and a 50-meter buffer zone will be established between the panels and the shoreline. These measures aim to protect the habitats of various bird species and maintain the ecological balance of the reservoir.
This collaboration between Sembcorp and Meta highlights the growing trend of major technology companies investing in renewable energy to power their operations sustainably. It also aligns with Singapore’s broader strategy to enhance its renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the nation’s goal of achieving 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar capacity by 2030.
(Source: W Media)
