Bluenergy Solutions launches tidal energy demo off Singapore

Bluenergy Solutions has launched a new project offshore Singapore, featuring a ‘Plug and Play’ solution that entails tidal energy generation, storage and distribution.

The launch is part of Bluenergy Solutions’ Proof of Value (POV) project, located offshore the island Palau Satumu, near the Raffles Lighthouse, about 14 kilometers south of the main island of Singapore.

Projected to run for a period of six months, the key objectives of the POV project are to ensure the supply of clean tidal energy to the Raffles Lighthouse, replace diesel consumption with tidal energy, and reduce carbon footprint through the decarbonization of port waters and islands, while proving the technology’s commercial viability at the same time.

According to Singapore-owned Bluenergy Solutions, the technology can be combined with wind and solar to offer a total green energy solution.

It also offers a proprietary digital platform, specifically designed for the marine energy sector. While monitoring energy generation, storage and distribution operations, it will also enable end users to purchase energy directly from the platform, the company claims.

In addition, the launch marks Bluenergy Solutions’ collaboration with local strategic partners such as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), which has placed a purchase order for the energy generated; A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) which jointly designed the hydrodynamic features of the tidal turbine; and Ken Energy, which contributes and operates the tidal energy platform by providing marine services expertise.

Kenneth Burnett, founder and CEO of Bluenergy Solutions, said: “We thank MPA for their support from the beginning of the project and to have them as Bluenergy Solutions’ first customer. We also thank other Singapore and international companies who have supported us and with whom we collaborate.”

Teo Eng Dih, CEO of MPA, added: “This collaboration is a significant step towards electrification and decarbonization of Maritime Singapore. By harnessing hydrokinetic energy from our waters, there is much to learn from this pilot, and we can assess its deployment potential during the scale-up phase.

“MPA will conduct further hydrographic surveys and continue working with our research community and renewable energy solution enterprises such as Bluenergy Solutions, to test new technologies and seize more opportunities from green growth as we work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Other supply chain partners include Systematic Engineering, Nippon Paint Marine, ClassNK and international organizations who are potential end-users and partners, such as Kyuden International Corporation, Kyuden Mirai Energy and NYK Group.

Commenting on the project, Masakatsu Terazaki, managing director of Kyuden Mirai Energy, said: “We at Kyuden Mirai Energy believe that Bluenergy Solutions’ ‘Plug and Play’ system is a promising method for decarbonization providing green energy in wide range of field: marine industry (such as shipping, fishery and aquaculture), remote islands infrastructure and agriculture.

“As a leading company in marine renewable energy development in Japan, conducting Japan’s first power generation demonstration project using tidal power, Kyuden Mirai Energy believe that Bluenergy Solutions’ system will play an important role in our future business strategy. We look forward to working with Bluenergy Solutions to bring this project to life.”

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