SP Group is constructing the first large-scale underground substation in Southeast Asia. Located at Labrador, SP will build its 230-kV electrical substation underground to optimize space in land-scarce Singapore for urban growth and development. Electrical transmission substations range between 66 kV to 400 kV. When running at full capacity, one 230-kV substation can power up to eight towns, each the size of Toa Payoh.
Stanley Huang, group chief executive officer of SP Group, said: "In our business of enabling a low-carbon, smart energy future, we are building sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Taking a holistic approach, we are constructing this substation underground, freeing up space above for a 34-storey development. This is in line with Singapore's urban renewal plans and our own sustainable development goals (SDGs) of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all and tapping on innovation to build sustainable infrastructure."
Substations are part of essential infrastructure that power homes, offices, industries, and public services. By freeing up prime land spaces for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes, land use and resources can be optimized. By going underground, the Labrador substation alone will free up 3 hectares of prime land space, or the equivalent of four football fields. When in service, the substation will serve the electricity needs of nearby towns such as Alexandra, Clementi, Keppel, Pasir Panjang, and the Science Park district.
Typically, building a substation underground would be more resource-intensive and require specialized engineering capabilities as compared to above-ground. This is because of complexities in construction and the need to use materials and equipment that are suitable for subterranean environment. For example, detailed engineering studies and suitable construction methods are implemented to control the impact to the surrounding buildings and infrastructure.
In addition, the equipment in the substation must be of low-fire risk, with cooling systems installed to prevent the build-up of heat in the equipment. The long-term benefits of building substations underground outweigh the costs. In addition to optimizing land resources for other purposes, underground substations have a lower risk of being exposed and damaged. This will enhance asset and network security.
"Leveraging our extensive experience in constructing the underground electricity cable tunnels that span across Singapore, we will be able to deal with the complexities of building this underground substation. With the learnings and experience gathered from this pilot project, we can explore the possibilities of housing more substations underground," said Huang.
The Labrador underground substation is part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's underground Master Plan 2019. The electricity substation at Labrador and the commercial building are scheduled for completion in 2024. SP recently announced that it has awarded the building contract of the substation to main contractor Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd.
