What's Happening?
SP Group, a leading utilities provider in Asia Pacific, and STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader, have commenced operations for Singapore's largest industrial district cooling system at STMicroelectronics'
Ang Mo Kio TechnoPark. The system, designed, built, owned, and operated by a joint venture between SP Group and Daikin Airconditioning (Singapore), aims to significantly improve the environmental performance of ST's semiconductor manufacturing site. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 120,000 tonnes per year and achieve 20 percent savings on cooling-related electricity consumption. Additionally, the system will repurpose over half a million cubic meters of water annually, using reject reverse osmosis water previously used in ST Cooling Towers. This marks ST's first use of district cooling at a manufacturing facility, reinforcing its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2027.
Why It's Important?
The launch of this district cooling system is a pivotal step in Singapore's transition towards a low-carbon future, showcasing how collaborative innovation can transform urban infrastructure to deliver sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. By integrating advanced technologies like district cooling, STMicroelectronics and SP Group are driving a smarter, more sustainable future, aligning industry leadership with environmental stewardship. This initiative not only supports Singapore's national sustainability goals but also enhances energy resilience across industrial and urban developments. The project underscores the importance of partnerships in achieving decarbonization targets and highlights the role of technology in reducing environmental impact and supporting long-term climate ambitions.
What's Next?
STMicroelectronics plans to further accelerate its decarbonization roadmap by partnering with SP Group to upgrade the cooling system at its Toa Payoh site. Under a 20-year chilled-water-as-a-service agreement, SP will design, build, operate, and maintain a new high-efficiency chiller system, scheduled for completion by December 2025. This system aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2,140 tonnes annually. Additionally, STMicroelectronics and SP Group are implementing a range of sustainable technologies across ST's campuses, including the deployment of an energy management information system with smart electricity meters and multi-utility sensors to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Beyond the Headlines
The district cooling system not only contributes to immediate operational needs but also frees up space at Ang Mo Kio TechnoPark for additional equipment that mitigates environmental impact. This includes perfluorocarbon abatement equipment and plans for water reclamation systems and volatile organic compounds abatement. The project achieved over 2 million accident-free man hours, highlighting the commitment to safety during construction. The district cooling plant has been awarded the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification for its exceptional energy efficiency and sustainable design, further reducing its carbon footprint through optimized material choices and system design.
