Under a Power Purchase Agreement, EDPR Sunseap will install a photovoltaic (PV) system that will have a capacity of 1.56MWp when it is completed in 2023. With the latest agreement to generate more energy from solar power, SMRT moves a step closer to meeting its goal to achieve net zero carbon equivalent by 2050.
This is the second phase of a partnership between EDPR Sunseap and SMRT Trains which began six years ago. In 2016, EDPR Sunseap had then agreed to install 10,000 square metres of solar panels across the rooftop of the Bishan Main Depot building. When the installation was completed in 2017, these panels produced one megawatt peak (MWp) renewable energy.
As part of SMRT’s efforts to achieve net zero carbon equivalent by 2050, both phases of the solar PV system at Bishan Depot will have a combined capacity of 2.56MWp, capable of generating an estimated 3,000 MWh of energy per year. This is equivalent to powering 700 4-room public housing flats, and will avoid 1,224 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Apart from Bishan Depot, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) also deployed solar panels at Tuas West and Mandai depots, to produce additional renewable energy of about 3 MWp.
Land transport accounts for about 15% of carbon emissions in Singapore and public transport companies like SMRT are transitioning to alternative and clean energy sources in support of the Ministry of Transport’s goal to reduce land transport emissions by 80% from its peak in 2016, by 2050.
SMRT Trains President, Mr Lam Sheau Kai, said: “MRT travel is the greenest form of public commute today. It is hence befitting that we do our part to generate more renewable energy within our depot premises. With the additional solar panels, SMRT’s total solar energy generation will be able to meet the non-traction energy needs of our first and busiest depot – Bishan Depot. SMRT will continue to find opportunities to adopt sustainable practices and reduce our carbon footprint, in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.”
EDPR Sunseap Executive Vice President, Client Solutions, Ms Filipa Ricciardi said: “We are grateful for SMRT’s continued trust and support as our mission is to help our clients decarbonise in a sustainable manner. Public transport is a key element in the fight against climate change and we believe that forging strong, long-term partnerships with transport operators will help drive innovative actionable solutions to one of the biggest challenges of
our times.”
EDPR Sunseap is the Asia Pacific hub for EDP Renewables, one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies. It plans to triple renewable energy capacity to over 2 GW by 2025 as part of its vision to lead energy transition in Singapore and the rest of the region.
