Pulau Semakau- a Singapore offshore landfill may soon become a test bed for renewable energy technologies and also a place for “Green” recreational and educational activities. 90 hectares of the 350 hectares Pulau (a malay word for island) Semakau will be set aside for this new proposed development.

Whats more interesting is that according to a document from the Government Electronic Business website, eventually Pulau Semakau will be self sustaining, meeting all its own water and energy needs. This proposal of converting the Semakau Landfill to an eco-park seems to be welcomed by many and there were also many suggestions on the probable researches that can be carried out on the island.

Some suggestions included the creation of biofuels by cultivating marine algae as seed stock, the research and development on solar energy and also the testing of zero-emission vehicles like electrical cars.

As Pulau Semakau is also the home to marine wildlife like the rare tape seagrass, care has to be taken so that there will be minimal impact on the existing eco-system.

According to a NEA (National Environment Agency) spokesman, the Agency is still evaluating tenders for consultancy services to the concept plan.

Source - The Straits Times