The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has embarked on a pioneering project to transform part of Pulau Ubin into a model "green" island powered entirely by clean and renewable energy.

An island to Singapore's northeast, Pulau Ubin is home to about 100 villagers and is a popular natural attraction for hikers and cyclists.

Currently, Pulau Ubin does not draw electricity supply from the main power grid. It is not economical to lay power transmission cables from mainland Singapore to Pulau Ubin due to its modest energy demand.

The EMA, which regulates Singapore's energy market, thinks that there is potential to test out a microgrid system with distributed generation, that is, a small-scale power supply network for a small community.

This would help to provide additional sources of energy supply and to displace the current dependency on diesel generators on the island.

Various clean energy options are illustrated here.

Mr Khoo Chin Hean, Chief Executive of EMA said, "This project will create an oasis where clean and renewable energy technologies can be tested in an actual live environment. At the same time it can benefit the consumers in Pulau Ubin who currently rely on diesel generators by providing alternative sources of energy that are not only cleaner but are also cost competitive to diesel generators."

To kick off this project, EMA has called a tender for a study to develop and implement clean and renewable energy solutions for a cluster of homes and businesses on the island.

Depending on the outcome of the study, it could be followed by the development of a network with energy sources like solar, wind and biomass to supply electricity. This would give a boost to Singapore's ambition to be a global test-bedding site for new energy technologies.

The study will look into both the technical and commercial viability of the options proposed, while giving due consideration to economic, environmental and social costs and benefits.