Powering the future: How businesses can benefit from Punggol Digital District's smart grid

In the heart of Singapore's technological landscape, a new initiative is set to redefine the way we think about energy consumption and sustainability. Punggol Digital District (PDD), a smart and sustainable hub for growth sectors like AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and robotics, will be home to Singapore’s first-ever district-level smart grid. Currently in its design phase and targeted for completion in 2026, the smart grid will allow businesses in PDD to operate more sustainably, as well as bolster Singapore’s transition to green energy.

PDD supports growth sectors like AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and robotics. Photo: Darren Soh

What is a smart grid and what can it do?

In essence, the smart grid is a sophisticated electricity supply network that leverages technology to monitor and adapt to fluctuations in electricity consumption patterns. At PDD, however, it goes beyond mere energy distribution – it's a comprehensive system that integrates renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, with a battery energy storage system (BESS) for a cleaner, more reliable energy supply. 

JTC has appointed a consortium comprising Univers, a Singapore-based global decarbonisation software firm that will be based in PDD, and PacificLight Power (PacificLight), a local power generator and retailer, to bring this project to life. This collaboration also extends beyond the private sector, with the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Public Sector Science & Technology Policy & Plans Office (S&TPPO) under the Prime Minister's Office collaborating to develop this initiative. 

Powered by Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (AIoT) technology, the smart grid will be managed centrally by Univers' Energy and Environment Operating System (EnOS™). This secure and scalable system will connect with PDD’s Open Digital Platform, facilitating the exchange of raw data and actionable business insights.

Empowering businesses through renewable energy adoption

The smart grid offers businesses in PDD the opportunity to enhance their sustainability practices. For starters, through the smart grid’s integration with PDD’s solar PV system, businesses there can optimise their energy use and reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy adoption. 

Solar PV panels will be installed on the rooftops of select buildings in PDD. 

A key feature of the smart grid is its ability to manage fluctuations in solar energy production caused by shifting weather conditions and cloud coverage. To mitigate these imbalances, the BESS acts as a safeguard, storing surplus electricity generated during sunny periods and releasing it during cloudy or high-demand periods. This ensures a stable and reliable energy supply, giving businesses the confidence to adopt renewable energy without compromising their operations.

A more efficient way to power operations

Peak shaving is a smart energy management strategy employed to reduce power consumption during periods of high demand. According to experts, this can be achieved through various methods, including temporarily decreasing electricity consumption, utilising on-site power generation capabilities, or drawing from energy storage systems such as batteries. The primary goal is to “shift the peak” and avoid the higher charges typically associated with peak usage times. 

Infographic: Peak shaving can help to reduce power consumption during periods of high demand.

The smart grid's advanced metering infrastructure and real-time monitoring capabilities enable energy optimisation efforts, allowing the strategic redistribution of energy demand across different times. Because the BESS is integrated with the smart grid, it can release the stored renewable energy during high-demand periods. This approach reduces the grid's peak load by meeting consumer electricity needs with previously stored clean energy, thereby alleviating pressure on the main power network.

Unlocking future energy innovations at PDD

In 2016, the EMA launched a Demand Response (DR) programme so that eligible businesses can voluntarily adjust their electricity consumption during high-demand periods in exchange for financial incentives.

This proactive management of energy usage lets companies lower their electricity costs, since they can reduce their electricity consumption during peak periods when rates are typically elevated. It also diminishes the necessity for investments in power generation facilities. By encouraging consumers to tap into the smart grid, they can participate in demand response by reducing their electricity demand voluntarily when wholesale electricity prices are high. 

Dedicated EV charging bays are available at PDD. 

In addition, the smart grid will allow energy consumers in PDD to participate in the DR programme by onboarding their electric vehicles or in-house energy storage systems to the smart grid. Subject to regulatory approval and successful pilot programmes, this system of monitoring and potentially managing energy assets could be expanded within the district. 

Looking ahead: Shaping Singapore’s sustainable future

The development of the smart grid at PDD aligns with Singapore's broader strategy of leveraging digital innovations to enhance urban living standards and promote sustainable environmental practices.

As the project moves from its current design phase towards its expected completion in 2026, it exemplifies how PDD is creating a blueprint for smarter, more efficient business districts powered by technology, laying the groundwork for the smart cities of tomorrow.