The programme aims to promote and aggregate demand for solar PV systems across government agencies in order to achieve economies of scale.
Sunseap Leasing has won the tender to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at 1,218 HDB blocks and 49 government sites, which include 13 Ministry of Defence sites and 30 schools.
The installation of solar PV systems is set to begin in the first quarter of 2020, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2022.
This is the fourth solar leasing tender under the SolarNova programme. Jointly led by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the programme aims to promote and aggregate demand for solar PV systems across government agencies in order to achieve economies of scale.
Called in December last year, the tender received eight bids coming from both local and foreign firms.
“With this latest tender, a solar PV capacity of 70 megawatt-peak (MWp) will be reaped islandwide, a 40-percent increase from the last awarded tender of 50 MWp. This will generate more clean energy, help to further reduce carbon emissions, and aid in mitigating the effects of climate change,” said HDB and EDB.
“As the largest driver for the installation of solar PV systems in Singapore, HDB contributes significantly to the national solar energy target of 350 MWp by 2020, with more than 60 percent coming from HDB’s solar initiatives and programmes.”
The authorities noted that this allows for the generation of 277 GWh of clean energy per year, which is equivalent to powering around 57,500 four-room flats, and potentially reducing carbon emissions by 138,500 tonnes annually.
They explained that the energy generated by PV panels on HDB blocks will be utilised to fully power common services within HDB estates, like the blocks’ lifts, lights and water pumps during the day.
These blocks – under Pasir Ris – Punggol and Holland – Bukit Panjang Town Councils – “are able to achieve net-zero energy consumption with excess solar energy channelled back to Singapore’s electrical grid”.
Around 2,000 HDB blocks have already been fitted with solar panels as of August 2019, while solar PV installation at another 2,370 HDB blocks is in progress.
“Installation works under the first three tenders in the SolarNova programme is estimated to complete by end 2020,” revealed HDB and EDB.
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Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
