MPA taps Bluenergy for a clean tidal energy project

The project will power up the facilities in the Raffles Lighthouse.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and marine energy start-up company Bluenergy will launch a Proof of Life project to use hydrokinetic energy off the Pulau Satumu island as an alternative power source for the facilities supporting the Raffles Lighthouse (RLH).

The project is a “Plug and Play” solution where four underwater turbines will be deployed off the island to convert the kinetic energy of moving water into electricity.  Bluenergy and A*STAR's Institute of High-Performance Computing designed features of the turbines.

The turbines will spin at a relatively low rotation per minute (RPM) and stop within safety distances to avoid risks of injury to marine animals.

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These turbines will generate 2,700 kWh of electricity, which will power up non-operational electrical requirements for the RLH, including for its living quarters.

The Proof of Value project will run for six months, starting this April.

MPA will conduct further hydrographic surveys and work with research agencies to explore opportunities to widen the use of tidal energy for other waterfronts and electric charging locations for water vessels.