Kusu Island is now self-sufficient via solar power, and is capable of producing its own water and electricity.
A Chinese temple and three Malay keramat on Kusu island attract thousands of pilgrims annually. Did you know that Kusu actually means “tortoise island” or “turtle island” in the Hokkien dialect?
The collaboration between the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has made this island self-sufficient. They’ve decked out the island with solar panels and a cutting-edge desalination plant, transforming the area into a model for renewable practices and technology.
Initiated in 2020 and reaching completion by late 2022, the project was perfectly timed to power the annual pilgrimage season. The solar power plant boasts an annual generation of over 230 megawatt hours, which not only powers the island’s facilities but is also equivalent to the energy needs of some 52 HDB flats while concurrently slashing carbon emissions by a remarkable 96 metric tons. Backup batteries will store enough power for two days in the event of cloudy or rainy weather.
The island’s container-sized desalination plant delivers a substantial 20,000 liters of fresh water daily. The water is currently undergoing final stages of certification to certify as drinkable.
The placement of solar panels mimics the shape of tortoises, paying homage to the legacy of Kusu island. These panels are placed in a shallow lagoon in front of the iconic Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong) Temple. They perform 10 to 15 percent more efficiently than conventional rooftop solar panels due to the cooling effect of water.
Next up, SLA and NTU are installing this self-sufficient system on the nearby Pulau Hantu. Although it’ll boast a smaller setup due to lesser foot traffic, the essence of the project remains the same—sustainable living in harmony with nature.
