EDPR Sunseap signs MOU with Archwey’s PlasticBean to explore opportunities for the usage of recycled plastic in floating solar projects
A photo taken at the signing ceremony. Standing left to right are Ms Natalie Da Gama Rose, Chief Legal Officer, Archwey; Mr Sjoerd Fauser, Chief Executive Officer, Archwey; Mr Frank Phuan, Business Chief Executive Officer, EDPR Sunseap; and Mr Rob Khoo, Head, MarComms & Sustainability, EDPR Sunseap.
Singapore, November 23 2022
EDPR Sunseap, the Asia Pacific platform of EDP Renewables, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PlasticBean, which is part of the sustainable materials engineering Group, Archwey. The MOU purpose is to explore the use of plastic that is 100% recycled in future floating photovoltaic solar farm projects in Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea.
The recycled plastic, BLUEWAVE®, is a thermoplastic material derived from marine plastics, ocean-bound plastics, post-consumer waste and post-industrial waste. Collected at riverbanks and coastal areas in some of the most polluted regions in the world, it gives new life to plastic waste that would otherwise end up in our oceans. 100% recycled and recyclable, BLUEWAVE® pellets can be used to make the floating pontoons that keep solar farms afloat.
EDPR Sunseap Business CEO Mr Frank Phuan said: “EDPR Sunseap is always on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate with innovative partners to help keep our planet clean for the next generation. By working with PlasticBean, we can bring the world a step closer towards a circular economy where plastic waste is recovered and recycled rather than thrown away.”
Archwey CEO Mr Sjoerd Fauser said: “The strategic partnership with EDPR Sunseap is an important milestone and anchors our collaboration with a pioneering clean energy solutions provider that shares our belief that a better future is possible and that we can reverse the damage humanity has done to our planet over the past century. This is a huge step toward a truly sustainable world.
“Using recycled plastic rather than virgin plastic in the construction of renewable energy farms demonstrates conscious action and contribution to building a sustainable future.
“It’s essential that the world ends its dependence on fossil fuels and not just as an energy source. Virgin plastic, made using oil, is one of the planet’s biggest pollutants. Less than 9% of all plastic produced is recycled. 364 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated every year.”
EDPR Sunseap and Archwey said the cost of the recycled plastic will be similar to or lower than plastic made from virgin materials such as crude oil.
EDPR Sunseap completed one of the world's largest floating solar farms on seawater in the Straits of Johor last year. Floating solar is an effective solution for land-scarce and densely populated places, like Singapore, to tap into solar energy as part of its renewables strategy.
About EDPR Sunseap
EDPR Sunseap is headquartered in Singapore and is present across 9 markets currently with more than 800 MWp of installed and under construction solar capacity and a pipeline of more than 6 GW. EDPR Sunseap is part of EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), a global leader in the renewable energy sector and the fourth largest wind producer worldwide with 14.3GW installed and present in 28 markets.
Energias de Portugal (Euronext: EDP) is EDPR's main shareholder with a 75% stake operating across energy generation, networks and supply, including a total installed capacity of 28 GW, networks of 376 thousand km and over 9 million clients.
About Archwey
Archwey, founded in Singapore in 2022, is the global holding group of Arch & Hook, Shieldler and PlasticBean, three sustainable materials engineering companies that supply groundbreaking sustainable solutions for the manufacturing, display and transportation of products in fashion, retail, hospitality and healthcare. Utilising its GRS-certified1 plastic solution BLUEWAVE®, in the last 18 months, Archwey recycled and cleaned 32,500 tonnes of plastic, creating innovative materials and beautiful new products from waste.
Archwey’s objectives include:
• Ensuring all subsidiary companies become B Corp-certified within the next two years.
• Doubling the amount of plastic waste it recycles and cleans from 32,500 to 65,000 tonnes by the end of 2023.
• Continuing to contribute to global education through key initiatives such as with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, local governments and trade bodies.
1 https://certifications.controlunion.com/en/certification-programs/certification-programs/grs-global-recycle-standard
Media Contacts
EDPR Sunseap
Rob Khoo
Email: corpcomms@sunseap.edp.com
Archwey
Angelina Pereira
Email: angie@brewer.com.sg