3M unveils one of the biggest solar farms in Singapore

It can generate an average of 2.4 GWh of electricity annually.

Global science company 3M has officially opened one of Singapore’s largest solar farms which can generate an average of 2,400 MWh of electricity annually.

The 14,000 sqm solar farm, powered by 6,605 solar panels and 55 inverters, sits atop 3M’s major manufacturing plant in Tuas. It can power over 500 four-bedroom flats.

“This initiative to utilise rooftop space - which would otherwise have been unused - to generate cleaner forms of energy to power its manufacturing facility is an example of how companies can maximise resources,” said Amy Khor, senior minister of state for the Environment and Water Resources, who was present at the solar farm’s inauguration.

The solar farm will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,139 metric tons a year and is part of 3M’s efforts to increase its use of renewable energy to 25% of total electricity use by 2025.

The solar facility’s launch is in line with the Singapore government’s aim to increase solar penetration rates in the city-state.

Under the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, the goal is to raise the adoption of solar power in the city-state’s energy system to 350 MWp (megawatt peak) by 2020. This amounts to about 5 per cent of the country's projected peak electricity demand.

“The switch to cleaner forms of energy will make our economy greener and grow our green economy at the same time. I am glad that companies in Singapore like 3M are adopting solar energy and contributing towards greater resource efficiency and a greener economy,” Khor said.