Hydrogen-ready back-up power plant on Jurong Island launched

It can reach full generating capacity within minutes if supply falls short

- Ang Qing Correspondent

The Jurong Island facility is capable of supplying electricity within 10 minutes, which is critical if there is an unexpected increase in demand or interruption to other power sources. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

(ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI)

The Republic has officially launched a backup power plant that can reach full generating capacity within minutes if there is a sudden shortfall in power supply.

The two open cycle gas turbine (OCGT) generation units, operated by the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) subsidiary Meranti Power, have a total capacity of 682MW of electricity, which can power more than one million four-room HDB households.

When online, the Jurong Island facility is capable of supplying electricity within 10 minutes, which is critical if there is an unexpected increase in demand or interruption to other power sources, the company said in a statement.

The power plant’s opening on Oct 29 was officiated by Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng, who also witnessed the project’s ground breaking ceremony two years ago.