Tidal Energy: The Future of Clean Power in Singapore
Singapore is testing underwater turbines to generate clean electricity from tidal waves near Raffles Lighthouse.
Singapore is testing underwater turbines to generate clean electricity from tidal waves near Raffles Lighthouse.

KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Imagine machines under the sea that spin like windmills when ocean tides move them, turning that movement into electricity. Singapore is trying out this idea for the first time with a six-month test starting in April 2023, and the power it makes will help run facilities at a lighthouse.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Should Singapore expand tidal energy projects to power more facilities across the island, despite uncertainties about long-term marine ecosystem effects?
👍 👎 Vote ↓Have you ever watched the sea and wondered how powerful its waves could be?
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and Bluenergy Solutions have teamed up to find out just that!
They are launching a project to see how well tidal energy can work as a clean power source.
Starting in April 2023, a six-month trial will take place near Pulau Satumu, home to the Raffles Lighthouse.
Underwater turbines, designed by Bluenergy and A*STAR’s IHPC researchers, will be placed in the water to change the power of the waves into electricity.
These machines are like the windmills of the sea!
This trial is expected to generate 2700 kWh of electricity, which will be used for the living quarters at the Raffles Lighthouse.
But don’t worry, the lighthouse’s light will still run on solar power during this time.
The people working on this project have thought about the safety of marine life too.
They will install sensors to watch how sea creatures move around the turbines.
The turbines spin slowly and will stop if anything gets too close. This way, our underwater neighbours won’t be harmed.
This tidal energy project could help make our air cleaner by reducing carbon emissions.
If the trial goes well, the MPA will look into using tidal energy for other waterfront facilities and even electric charging stations for boats in Singapore.
Tidal energy could be a game-changer for Singapore and the world.
What are your thoughts on tidal energy? Let us know in the comments below!
Should Singapore expand tidal energy projects to power more facilities across the island, despite uncertainties about long-term marine ecosystem effects?
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