- This new target can reduce carbon emissions by 324,000 tonnes per year
- HDB has launched a tender to install solar panels across 1,154 HDB blocks and 46 government sites like schools
According to a report by Straitstimes, the Housing and Development Board of Singapore (HDB) is planning to more than double its capacity to 540MWp for solar power by 2030. As per the report, over the next 10 years, it will have the solar capacity to power the equivalent of about 135,000 four-room flats with clean energy.
The report said that the new target will raise the bar for HDB and Singapore. It will involve installing solar panels across more HDB blocks. The report said that this new target can reduce carbon emissions by 324,000 tonnes per year.
1,154 HDB blocks and 46 government sites
HDB has launched a tender to install solar panels across 1,154 HDB blocks and 46 government sites like schools. This comes under the HDB and Economic Development Board’s SolarNova programme.
As per the report, six agencies are participating in this tender. This tender closes on 2nd March. The installation of the solar photovoltaic systems is likely to be completed by the first quarter of 2023. The previous tender was awarded to clean energy firm Sunseap. It involved 1,218 HDB blocks and 49 government sites.
2,060 HDB blocks have been fitted with solar panels
According to the report, as of this month, around 2,060 HDB blocks have been fitted with solar panels. Installation at another 2,500 blocks is also in progress. HDB also aims to install solar panels on about 10,000 blocks where it is feasible.
The report pointed out that more efficient solar panels can convert convert around 20 per cent of sunlight into electricity compared with 16 per cent previously. This makes previously unsuitable rooftop spaces like at point blocks and partially shaded areas suitable for solar panel installations.
