Singapore district level smart grid under development

Singapore industrial development organisation JTC Corporation has appointed developers for what is slated as the country’s first district-level smart grid.

The smart grid, to be developed in the Punggol Digital District, has been awarded to a consortium of Singapore-headquartered global decarbonisation software firm Univers and locally based power generator and retailer PacificLight Power.

Under the partnership the two companies will design, build and operate a smart grid integrating a battery energy storage system with solar PV panels to optimise energy efficiency across the district through real-time data management and renewable energy generation.

The installation forms part of the district’s solar panels, which is planned to produce over 3,000MWh of clean energy annually.

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Integrating solar energy and the BESS with the smart grid should enable peak shaving and ensure reliable and continuous energy supply to the district.

The installation also should enable consumers to participate in demand response and allow them to shift their electricity usage during peak periods in response to time-based rates.

Currently in the design phase, the project is expected to be completed in 2026.

Together with other energy saving features and strategies, the Punggol Digital District is expected to achieve an estimated improvement in district-level energy efficiency of over 50%.

Punggol Digital District

Punggol Digital District, located on Singapore’s western side approximately mid-way between its two airports, is being developed as a ‘smart’ district for living and working in the digital age.

The district-level smart grid is being jointly developed by JTC Corporation, the Energy Market Authority and the Public Sector Science & Technology Policy & Plans Office.

Managed by Univers’ AI and IoT powered energy and environment operating system, it should integrate seamlessly with JTC’s new estate operating platform to exchange data and business insights.

Besides enabling real-time monitoring and tracking of energy use via smart meters and an advanced metering infrastructure, through integration with the Open Digital Platform, the system also allows communication and interaction with various systems in the district, such as EV chargers and the district cooling and building management systems.

With this Punggol Digital District consumers should be enabled to participate in the Singapore national electricity market through the onboarding of their electric vehicles or in-house energy storage systems and to interact with it for demand response.

It also is envisaged that the smart grid should facilitate development of new business concepts, serving as a ‘living lab’ for companies to test their systems in an operational setting.

Some of the initiatives envisaged include a trial of underground deployment of battery energy storage system with appropriate fire safety measures, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) demonstration and enablement of a virtual power plant.

Nelson Liew, group director, New Estates at JTC, explains the smart grid not only generates, transmits and stores energy efficiently, but also serves as a platform for testing innovative solutions to advance sustainability goals.

“We look forward to working with Univers and PacificLight to leverage deep technological expertise and strong track record in energy solutions to bring this vision to life, setting a benchmark for future industrial developments.

“JTC and Punggol Digital District tenants can then look forward to enjoying reduced cost of renewable electricity supply while leveraging onsite renewables energy generation.”