EarthOne Opens a New Chapter for the Planet
AsiaOne’s fresh EarthOne section is all about caring for the Earth and backing the science that fuels it. If you’re curious about Earth‑savvy stories, you’ll find them right here.
Sunseap Group’s Mega‑Floating Solar Dream
Singapore’s Sunseap Group just announced plans to splash into the world’s biggest floating solar farm, and it’s set to float in Batam, Indonesia. They’re putting US$2 billion (roughly S$2.7 billion) into a project that will double the region’s renewable power capacity.
- Capacity: A whopping 2.2 GWp (gigawatt‑peak).
- Location: The Duriangkang Reservoir on Batam Island, spanning about 1,600 hectares.
- Timeline: Construction kicks off 2022 and is slated to wrap up by 2024.
- Funding: A mix of bank debt and Sunseap’s own capital.
Floating Solar: The Land‑Saving Hero
Frank Phuan, Sunseap’s co‑founder and chief executive, told Reuters that this project will double the firm’s portfolio and pave the way for even bigger solar and energy storage ventures. He added that “floating solar systems are a game‑changer for densely populated parts of Southeast Asia that struggle to find land for renewables.”
Sunseap’s Solar Track Record
With over 2,000 MWp of solar projects already on the books across Asia, Sunseap isn’t just a newcomer. In March, they rolled out a 5 MWp floating solar farm off Singapore’s coast in the Straits of Johor.
Powering Tomorrow—Both Onshore and Offshore
This Batam farm will generate a steady stream of green energy, stashing some of it right in home country and, via a subsea cable, sailing the rest over to Singapore—a cool 50 kilometers downstream.
As per the Batam free‑zone authority (BP Batam), Batam currently churns out 540 MW from gas, steam, and diesel plants. The new solar gig is expected to give a tidy boost to local businesses looking to curb their carbon footprints.
Looking Ahead: IPO Talk
Sunseap is even weighing an initial public offering in Singapore, aiming to keep the solar wave rolling and bring more investors into the green mix.
Stay tuned for more updates that prove the planet can thrive when we let the sun do the heavy lifting—literally!
