This press release was issued by Equator Renewables Asia and Aster Power.
Singapore-headquartered renewable energy company Equator Renewables Asia (ERA) and Aster Power, Aster’s dedicated energy business line, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assess the feasibility of deploying SolarBox, an innovative containerised solar power solution, to generate renewable energy across Aster’s facilities in Bukom and Jurong islands.
Announced in conjunction with Singapore International Energy Week, the partnership gives both companies a framework to evaluate the use of SolarBox in real operating conditions. Conventional solar relies on fixed photovoltaic panels that remain stationary on sites for extended periods. SolarBox can be deployed and relocated as needs change, so land available for only a limited period can still contribute to renewable energy generation.
Developed in Singapore, SolarBox is preassembled in a factory and transported to site in a 40-foot container. According to ERA, two people can deploy a unit in about two hours and it unfolds into a solar array extending around 120 metres.
Conceptualised as a modular, plug-and-play system, each unit provides up to 250kWp of solar capacity and can operate alone or be combined into larger installations. It is also designed to connect to the grid, battery energy storage systems and diesel generators.
ERA and Aster Power will draw on their operational, technical and commercial expertise to expand renewable energy generation in a flexible and scalable manner. The initiative reflects Aster’s continued efforts to evaluate innovative solutions in real-world operating environments, with the aim of creating long-term value for its operations while contributing to Singapore’s broader sustainability ambitions.
Frank Phuan, Chief Executive Officer of ERA, said: “Many industrial sites have land that is only available for a limited time, which makes a fixed solar installation hard to justify. SolarBox is designed for that situation. It can be set up quickly, moved when the land is needed for something else, and redeployed elsewhere. Working closely with Aster Power at their facilities in the Bukom and Jurong islands enables us to explore the potential of this innovative solution in large-scale industrial environments.”
Aina Lim, Head of Aster Power, said: “This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to explore innovative approaches to renewable energy deployment. Through SolarBox, we can assess new ways to optimise available space while supporting our sustainability ambitions. We look forward to working closely with ERA to evaluate the potential of this solution across our sites.”
ERA and Aster Power will work closely to assess opportunities to accelerate renewable energy adoption, supporting Aster’s vision of building a more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready operation.
