Picture a vast expanse of water. That is Tengeh Reservoir. It shimmers under the Singapore sun. This reservoir plays a vital role. It is a key part of Singapore’s water supply.
Tengeh Reservoir was once Sungei Tengeh. It was a river flowing into the Straits of Johor. In the early 1980s, it was dammed. This created the reservoir we see today. This damming was part of the Western Water Catchment Scheme. Construction began in 1977.
Now, Tengeh Reservoir is part of the SAFTI Live Firing Area. Access is restricted. But its importance extends beyond military training.
Look to the southern side. You would have seen the Raffles Country Club. Golfers once enjoyed views of the reservoir. However, the government acquired the land. It was needed for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail. The area is now the Singapore Rail Test Centre.
But there is more to Tengeh Reservoir than meets the eye. In 2011, a project began. Public Utilities Board and Economic Development Board teamed up. Their goal was innovative. They planned to install floating solar panels.
This S$11 million project came to fruition. In July 2021, the floating solar farm became operational. It is a 60 MW facility. This farm helps power Singapore.
These panels are not just any panels. They are part of one of the world’s largest inland floating solar PV systems. There are 122000 solar panels. They span an area equal to 45 football fields.
The energy generated goes into the national grid. It provides enough power for about 16000 four-room Housing Board flats per year. It can also power Singapore’s water treatment plants.
A test bed in 2016 proved the concept. The floating solar farm did not harm wildlife or water quality. It even performed better than rooftop systems. The cooler reservoir water increased efficiency by up to 15 percent.
Sembcorp Floating Solar Singapore designed and built the farm. It partnered with PUB. They completed the project quickly. They overcame challenges from Covid-19. Engineers found ways to boost productivity.
The panels are tilted. This allows rainwater to wash off dirt. Drones monitor the farm’s health. Gaps between panels let sunlight through. Aerators maintain oxygen levels in the water.
Tengeh Reservoir stands as a testament. It shows Singapore’s commitment to sustainability. It balances water needs with green energy. This reservoir is more than just a body of water. It is a source of power. It is a symbol of innovation.