Equator Renewables Asia, founded by solar veteran Frank Phuan, has signed a cooperation framework agreement with CRE International (CREI), the renewable energy arm of China National Nuclear Corp, to import solar power from Indonesia into Singapore.

The partnership marks a major step in regional energy collaboration under the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, linking power systems across Southeast Asia.

Riau Islands Solar Project to Power Over 350,000 Homes

The joint project in the Riau Islands is expected to generate 830 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy per year by 2029. Equator’s broader development in the region could produce 2,100 GWh annually—sufficient to supply more than 350,000 Singapore households.

Equator holds a conditional license from Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to import 400 megawatts (MW) of clean power through a subsea cable connecting Indonesia and Singapore.

Battery Storage Integration for Reliable Clean Energy

The Riau Islands project includes a 1.2 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance grid reliability and ensure a consistent electricity supply.

CREI’s Sun Jinfeng, Singapore country manager, said the initiative will “showcase the potential of large-scale solar and storage integration in South-east Asia.”

Roles and Responsibilities in the Equator-CREI Partnership

Under the agreement, CREI will lead the investment, construction, and operation of the solar and battery facilities. Equator Renewables Asia will manage transmission and offtake coordination into Singapore.

Phuan emphasized the strategic vision, stating: “We are exceedingly bullish on the demand for low-carbon energy in Singapore, and our vision from day one has been to position ourselves to meet this burgeoning need.”

Boosting Singapore’s Low-Carbon Energy Supply

Equator is among six firms granted conditional licenses to import clean energy from Indonesia, while five other projects have received approvals to source power from Southeast Asia and Australia.

The partnership reflects Singapore’s commitment to expanding low-carbon energy options for businesses and households, while contributing to regional energy connectivity across ASEAN.

PHOTO: THEEXCHANGEASIA

This article was created with AI assistance.