Singapore introduces clean energy-powered service stations

Singapore has unveiled service stations powered by clean energy, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation. The initiative is a collaboration between the Energy Market Authority (EMA), an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, responsible for ensuring a reliable and secure energy supply in Singapore, Shell, and Eigen Energy, a local renewable energy solutions provider.

The initiative is part of Singapore’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The stations will harness solar energy, ensuring that electric vehicles (EVs) are charged using renewable sources. This move is expected to not only reduce the carbon footprint of EVs but also promote their adoption among the public.

Singapore announced in February 2020 that it would phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and have all vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040. This is part of the country’s broader efforts to promote the adoption of EVs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The move includes various measures to support EV adoption, such as expanding the EV charging infrastructure.

The collaboration between EMA, Shell, and Eigen Energy signifies the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable initiatives. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors, Singapore aims to create a robust infrastructure for EVs, making them a viable option for more residents.

Three Shell service stations, located in Tampines, Pasir Ris, and Lakeview, will harness energy from solar panels installed on their rooftops and other Shell locations throughout Singapore. This energy will be used to power the stations and their EV charging systems.

Each station is equipped with a battery energy storage system (BESS) and Shell’s smart energy management system. This system manages the BESS and monitors power consumption, facilitating high-powered EV charging.

These Shell stations will offer some of the fastest EV charging in Singapore, significantly quicker than the commonly available 50kW DC chargers. Depending on the vehicle, a typical 30kWh charging session at these stations can be completed in under 15 minutes.

Ngiam Shih Chun, chief executive of EMA, emphasised the project’s significance in advancing Singapore’s sustainable energy goals. He highlighted the importance of collaborations between government entities, industry leaders, and SMEs in achieving a clean energy future.

The project aligns with the Singapore Green Plan 2030’s objectives to enhance solar energy deployment. It represents a multi-year partnership between EMA and Shell to promote innovation, support local businesses, and enhance expertise in energy storage and digitalisation. Over the past two years, Eigen Energy has played a pivotal role as the sustainable infrastructure systems integrator, ensuring the project’s success.