Meta’s 25-Year Solar Deal in Singapore
Global online and AI giant Meta, previously known as Facebook, has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to support the establishment of a 150MW floating solar PV system in Singapore. The renewable PPA was signed by Meta’s local subsidiary, Malkoha Pte Ltd, with Sembcorp Solar Singapore, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singaporean utilities firm Sembcorp Industries.
Details about the project remain scarce, with only Sembcorp issuing a press release, providing limited specifics. As per the terms of the renewable PPA, Sembcorp will be responsible for constructing, owning, and operating the 150MW floating solar PV system on Kranji Reservoir, situated in the northern region of Singapore near the Straits of Johor.
Development and Operation
The Kranji Reservoir, originally a freshwater river that was dammed at the mouth to create the reservoir, will host the project. While certain conditions and approvals are pending, Sembcorp anticipates commencing construction in the first half of 2027. Once operational, the power generated by the floating PV system will cater to Meta’s activities in the area, including its data centre operations in Singapore.
Existing Solar Projects in Singapore
This initiative marks another addition to Singapore’s growing portfolio of floating solar plants. Sunseap, a local solar energy provider, completed a 5MW floating solar PV farm in March 2021, located in the Straits of Johor near Woodlands, adjacent to Kranji Reservoir. Furthermore, a 60MW array on the Tengeh Reservoir in the country’s west was finalized in July 2021 and has been linked with Singapore’s Public Utilities Board’s nearby water treatment facilities.
Singapore, a compact island nation, faces land scarcity for conventional solar PV projects, prompting authorities to leverage its reservoirs and water bodies as viable sites. The country aims to deploy at least 2GW of solar capacity by 2030, driving the development of various floating solar PV ventures.
Joshua S. Hill, a seasoned journalist based in Melbourne, has been covering climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for more than 15 years. His work has been featured in Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012, with a keen interest in electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.
