wiredInUSA december 2018

Oman network

Floating solar

Image: Sunseap

LS Cable and System has been selected as one of the companies to build Oman’s first optical fiber communication network. LS Cable and System has announced it will be responsible for the design and engineering of the network, as well as the supply of optical cables, in the project to link the Oman capital, Muscat, to major cities by 2021. Oman plans to further expand the optical fiber communication network in the region by 2030.

The Singapore-based Sunseap group is developing an Offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) system to be located along the Straits of Johor. Supported by the Singapore economic development board (EDB), the 5 MW floating solar system is expected to generate about 6,388 MWh of renewable energy per year. The five-hectare OFPV pilot is expected to be commercially operational early in 2019. Most large-scale floating PV systems are built on freshwater ponds, lakes or reservoirs. Sunseap’s installation is one of the largest sea-based photovoltaic projects. Frank Phuan, co-founder and CEO of Sunseap group, said: “In land-scarce countries like Singapore, the widespread use of PV systems is hindered by space constraints and limited roof space. The successful delivery of this project is important in opening up similar opportunities for sea- based floating photovoltaic systems in Singapore and the region.” Sunseap has previously participated in the floating PV test-bed at Singapore’s Tengeh Reservoir. Results so far suggest that floating PV systems perform better than typical rooftop solar PV systems in Singapore, due to the cooler temperatures of the reservoir environment.

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wiredInUSA - December 2018