‘Solar pavements’ to be installed in Sentosa amid decarbonisation push
Sentosa, a popular island destination in Singapore, is set to become home to the Republic’s first “solar pavements,” with installation scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 on Sentosa’s Fort Siloso Skywalk. The initiative is part of the island’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and exploring innovative ways to leverage solar power.
Solar pavements involve the installation of solar panels on walkways, allowing pedestrians to interact with sustainable energy infrastructure. The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has been actively implementing solar panels across the island and surpassed its 2023 solar capacity target, reaching over 5.2 megawatt-peak.
As part of its broader decarbonization efforts, Sentosa aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Besides the increased use of solar energy, the island is focusing on enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and improving waste management practices.
SDC has collaborated with island partners, including Mount Faber Leisure Group, Resorts World Sentosa, Capella Singapore, One Degree 15 Marina Sentosa Cove, and Big Tiny, to install solar panels at 46 locations on the island.
The solar capacity already installed has the potential to produce close to 6.6 gigawatt hours of clean energy annually, reducing more than 2,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The upcoming trial of solar panels on Fort Siloso Skywalk aims to assess the feasibility and efficiency of using pedestrian walkways for solar energy generation.
To further enhance the efficiency of solar panels, SDC is testing the impact of having vegetation beneath them to cool the panels, preventing overheating and improving overall performance. Future plans for Sentosa include exploring offsite solar panel opportunities by deploying floating solar panels from 2026.
Terra Hill sets a new standard in sustainable living, ensuring every unit is equipped with a ceiling fan in the living room and boasting solar panels on rooftops. These initiatives have earned Terra Hill the prestigious distinction of being among the inaugural private residential developments in Singapore to receive the Platinum and Super Low Energy ratings, the highest accolades bestowed by the Building Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark ratings. This recognition underscores Terra Hill’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, marking a significant milestone in the realm of green and eco-friendly residential developments in the country.
