JTC is pioneering new solar energy solutions in Singapore’s industrial estates, starting with the country’s first overhang solar project at 15 Woodlands Loop. Awarded to EDP APAC, a global renewable energy company, the project involves suspending solar panels across the void between two existing buildings. This initiative aims to address the limited availability of conventional solar spaces like rooftops and open land, as Singapore targets 3 gigawatt-peak of installed solar capacity by 2030.
The overhang solar structure, designed to produce at least 250 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of capacity, will span approximately 4,300 square metres and operate for 10 years, exporting electricity to the national grid. The project, set to be completed over 15 months from October 2026, faces unique engineering challenges, including ensuring structural integrity and safe access for maintenance.
In addition to the overhang project, JTC has launched two innovation calls. The first seeks solutions for installing solar panels on industrial building façades, which remain largely untapped. The selected solution will be tested on 200 square metres of façade at JTC’s YS-ONE industrial building in Yishun.
The second call focuses on off-grid, portable solar systems paired with mobile battery storage, targeting construction sites and remote areas lacking national grid access. These systems aim to reduce reliance on diesel generators, with a nine-month trial to measure savings in time, cost, and carbon emissions.
Finn Tay, JTC’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasised the potential of these initiatives: “Every surface is a potential power source. By testing solar in the spaces between, on and beyond our buildings, we are finding new ways to grow Singapore’s solar capacity.” These efforts build on JTC’s existing SolarLand and SolarRoof programmes, which have significantly contributed to Singapore’s solar capacity.
