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Powered by the Sun, Built with Purpose: How Modular Technology and Jumbo Bee Helped Bring the OPP Beach Hub to Life
- Fong Yue
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
A feature of our partner:
Modular Technology Pte Ltd & Jumbo Bee Power Solutions Pte Ltd
Bringing power to Ocean Purpose Project (OPP) Beach Hub
Before the current solar energy system was installed, our Beach Hub relied on a small set of first-generation Sunseap solar panels, retrieved from a project NTU Series was conducting in Pulau Semakau, to generate electricity for our hub’s operations. These panels generated only approximately 1000W per day, and as they were recycled units, there were quite a lot of battery issues. We were therefore looking for a more reliable solar solution to replace them and provide a stronger energy supply.
Operating a beach facility comes with unique challenges. Reliable access to electricity is often difficult in coastal environments, and temporary structures frequently rely on diesel generators. While effective, these solutions can be costly and do not align with our vision of creating a living demonstration of sustainability in action.
From the beginning, the Beach Hub was designed to reflect the values we advocate every day: environmental stewardship, resourcefulness, and the belief that waste can be transformed into solutions. Integrating renewable energy was therefore not only a practical decision but also a reflection of our mission.
How we met
At the end of last year, Ms Mathilda, our founder, came across one of Modular Technology’s job sites in Pasir Ris, where she noticed the new energy solution being used. Curious, she approached one of the construction workers to request contact details for their boss, Mr Max Shi, hoping to learn more and potentially secure a solar energy system for the Beach Hub.
The next working day, Ms Mathilda asked one of our staff, Zayne, to reach out to Mr Max, the Director of Modular Technology and the CEO of Jumbo Bee Power Solutions. Mr Max expressed interest in visiting our Beach Hub. After learning that Ocean Purpose Project was a social enterprise dedicated to creating positive environmental and community impact, he immediately understood the value of our work and recognised the alignment between our missions. Supporting OPP reflected his belief that businesses can be a force for good while driving meaningful change.
As Mr Max puts it:
"Supporting OPP is more than a commitment to environmental stewardship; it is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the future we all share."
Reflecting on the partnership, the Jumbo Bee team noted that what stood out most was OPP's genuine commitment to translating purpose into action. Inspired by OPP's passion and dedication, Mr Max decided to support our mission by sponsoring the solar panels, contributing various ideas for implementation, and even providing the air conditioner for our office.
What began as a chance encounter at a construction site grew into a meaningful partnership that continues to power the OPP Beach Hub and support our community activities today.
The Partner: Modular Technology & Jumbo Bee Power Solutions
Behind the solar energy system powering our Beach Hub is the partnership with Modular Technology Pte Ltd and its subsidiary, Jumbo Bee Power Solutions Pte Ltd.
Modular Technology provided the engineering expertise, operational support and resources behind this project, while Jumbo Bee Power Solutions led the renewable energy solution through its specialisation in integrated battery storage and solar power system. Together, the two companies helped create a reliable, cleaner energy source that enables the Beach Hub to operate more sustainably.
Modular Technology Pte Ltd
Modular Technology is a Singapore-based engineering company specialising in construction and civil engineering works across a range of infrastructure projects. It operates across the construction and infrastructure sectors, delivering solutions for diverse projects including civil engineering works, building demolition, and public lighting enhancement initiatives. This breadth of experience reflects the company's adaptability and commitment to providing practical solutions tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Some of their notable projects include:
Contributions to the construction of Bayshore Station and associated tunnel works under the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
Building demolition projects
LED street lighting replacement programmes, supporting improved energy efficiency in public spaces
Through close collaboration with government agencies, consultants, and industry partners, Modular Technology continues to deliver practical and reliable solutions across projects of different scales and complexities.
Jumbo Bee Power Solutions Pte Ltd
Jumbo Bee Power Solutions is Modular Technology’s sustainability-focused subsidiary, specialising in renewable energy solutions that combine solar power generation with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support cleaner and more reliable energy access, and creating a self-sustaining model to support Modular Technology’s civil engineering works.
For the OPP Beach Hub project, Jumbo Bee serves as the primary partner responsible for the development and integration of the solar energy system, including:
Solar panel and battery storage integration
System design and engineering
Installation and commissioning
Maintenance and performance monitoring
By combining renewable energy generation with battery storage technology, Jumbo Bee enables a self-sustaining energy model that reduces reliance on conventional power sources such as diesel generators, while improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Jumbo Bee’s solutions support various applications, including:
Construction and infrastructure projects
Commercial and industrial facilities
Agriculture and aquaculture
Remote worksites
Community organisations.
Some of the portable battery solutions provided by Jumbo Bee Power Solutions:
Beyond supporting construction and infrastructure projects, Jumbo Bee's portable battery systems support a wide range of off-grid applications, from outdoor activities and community events to remote worksites. Their scalable design delivers clean, reliable energy wherever access to conventional electricity is limited.
For Ocean Purpose Project, this partnership represents more than just an electricity solution. It demonstrates how industry expertise and sustainable technology can come together to support community-driven environmental initiatives and make renewable energy more accessible.
The Technology & Technical Specifications
To provide reliable and sustainable power for our OPP Beach Hub, Modular Technology has sponsored and installed a solar panel system designed to operate efficiently in a coastal environment.
The system consists of:
Solar panels installed: 12 × 550 W panels
Total solar capacity: 6.6 kW
Estimated daily generation: ~23 kWh/day
Estimated annual generation: ~8,432 kWh/year
Battery capacity: 20 kWh
Peak power output: 8000 W
The system functions as a plug-and-play off-grid power solution, making it particularly useful in locations where utility grid access is unavailable, impractical, or costly to deploy. It integrates solar photovoltaic technology, battery energy storage, and power conversion equipment into a single portable system. Solar energy generated during the day powers electrical loads while charging the batteries, which provide energy when solar generation is unavailable, ensuring a reliable and continuous power supply.
By reducing reliance on diesel generators, this solar energy system lowers fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and maintenance requirements by having fewer moving parts, while improving energy efficiency through an on-demand power supply.
For the OPP Beach Hub, this provides a clean, quiet, and dependable energy source that supports a wide range of activities without relying on conventional diesel generators or grid electricity. This demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can enable more sustainable and resilient community spaces, even in coastal environments.
The Build Journey
Timeline of the process
Despite the relatively short installation period, this project reflected the collaborative efforts of both the Jumbo Bee and OPP teams. It also demonstrated how practical renewable energy solutions can be implemented efficiently to support community initiatives and organisations committed to environmental stewardship.
Here's a glimpse of the work in progress behind the installation:
(Left & middle) Installation of the air conditioner in the OPP Hub
(Right) The portable battery system given to OPP
Impact Metrics: translating technical specifications into meaningful outcomes
By generating approximately 23 kWh of renewable electricity each day and 8,432 kWh annually, the solar energy system enables our OPP Beach Hub to meet its energy needs without relying on grid electricity. Beyond providing clean and reliable power, the system also delivers measurable environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions.
Based on Singapore’s 2024 Grid Emission Factor of 0.402 kg CO₂ per kWh (EMA, 2025), the solar energy system could offset an estimated 3.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually compared to conventional grid electricity.
Carbon Emissions Avoided Calculation
Annual solar energy generation: 8,432 kWh/year
Singapore Grid Emission Factor (2024): 0.402 kg CO₂/kWh (EMA, 2025)
Annual emissions offset: 8,432 kWh × 0.402 kg CO₂/kWh = 3,389.7 kg CO₂
Equivalent to approximately 3.4 tonnes of CO₂ being offset per year
Aside from the environmental impact, the solar energy system has also strengthened the day-to-day operations and community activities at the OPP Beach Hub. The electricity generated supports the equivalent power consumption of:
10 laptops (50W for 8 hours)
2 air conditioners (1,500W for 10 hours)
1 mini fridge
7 LED lights
3 projectors
Outdoor fans and lighting
Device charging stations
Machines that turn humidity into water for our plants
This reliable energy supply has provided more than enough power to support the daily operations of our Beach Hub, while also enabling us to host sustainability workshops, educational programmes, networking sessions, and community events with greater ease.
The addition of the sponsored air conditioner has further improved the working environment for our staff and interns when working on site, providing a more comfortable workspace, especially on hot days, compared to previously relying only on a small fan for ventilation and cooling.
The stable and sufficient energy supply has also made various community activities possible. During our Nasi Lemak Sustainability Workshop with Microsoft, the solar-powered electricity supported equipment such as the rice cooker and blender, allowing participants to learn about sustainability through a hands-on cooking experience.
Similarly, during our Singapore Maritime Week Networking event, the system powered event equipment, including microphones and DJ setups, allowing the Beach Hub to host larger gatherings more effectively.
Through these activities, the OPP Beach Hub has evolved beyond a working site for conservation work into a vibrant community space where education, collaboration, and sustainability initiatives can take place, demonstrating how renewable energy can support more resilient and sustainable coastal communities.
The Team Behind The Project
Every successful project is powered not only by technology but also by the people behind it. The installation of the OPP Beach Hub's solar energy system was made possible by a dedicated team from Modular Technology and Jumbo Bee Power Solutions, each contributing their expertise to bring the project to life.
Meet the Team:
(From left to right)
Mr Max Shi (Director of Modular Technology Pte Ltd, and the CEO of Jumbo Bee Power Solutions):
Max is the driving force behind the sustainability vision of both companies. As the leader championing innovative clean energy solutions, he has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the companies and inspiring the team to continually push the boundaries of sustainable technology.
Mr Wilson Chan (Operations Lead, Modular Technology and Jumbo Bee Power Solutions):
With decades of experience in the construction industry, Wilson oversees operational planning and project deployment across Modular Technology. His extensive practical knowledge ensures every installation is carried out safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
Ms Grace Eio (Finance & Administration Lead, Modular Technology and Jumbo Bee Power Solutions):
Grace manages the finance and administrative functions for both Modular Technology and Jumbo Bee Power Solutions. Working behind the scenes, she provides the organisational support that keeps projects running smoothly, enabling the technical teams to focus on successful delivery.
Mr Sean Ryan Chng (Chief of Staff, Jumbo Bee Power Solutions):
Sean oversees strategic projects, partnerships, marketing, and public relations. Drawing on his previous experience in institutional banking, he works closely with organisations to develop meaningful collaborations while helping communicate the impact of Jumbo Bee's sustainability initiatives.
Together, they form the management team of Jumbo Bee Power Solutions. While each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences, they are united by a shared belief that meaningful change happens when people from different disciplines work towards a common purpose.
Throughout the OPP Beach Hub project, the team contributed in various capacities, from the initial discussions and planning stages to logistics coordination, installation oversight, stakeholder engagement, and commissioning. Their collective efforts played a key role in the successful installation of the solar energy system, ensuring that the solution delivered not only met OPP's operational needs but also supported its broader sustainability goals.
Reflecting on the project, Mr Sean shared:
“The OPP Beach Hub remains a particularly memorable project for all of us. To this day, it is the only site we have encountered that had absolutely no access to energy when we first arrived. Many of us in Singapore may never have to experience such circumstances firsthand, but it served as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. For us, the project became more than just the installation of a solar energy system. It demonstrated how practical, sustainable solutions can empower communities and support organisations that are making a positive difference. It reinforced our belief that even small initiatives, when driven by purpose and collaboration, have the potential to create meaningful and lasting impact.”
Looking Ahead: Building a More Sustainable Future
Our OPP Beach Hub has always been more than just a physical space—it is a living demonstration of how innovation, sustainability, and community can come together to create meaningful impact.
As we look to the future, the OPP Beach Hub will continue to evolve as a platform for environmental education, community engagement and sustainable innovation. With a series of upcoming enhancements, we look forward to unveiling the next phase of the Beach Hub with the help of Modular Technology. Planned improvements include the installation of CCTV cameras, protective coverings for the wiring between the solar panels and the battery system, and upgrades to the entrance of the solar panel area.
This milestone would not have been possible without the support of Modular Technology and Jumbo Bee Power Solutions. Their expertise in sustainable construction, renewable energy, and practical innovation helped turn a shared vision into a functional space that demonstrates the power of collaborative action.
The Beach Hub marks not an end, but the beginning of a continued journey towards a more resilient and sustainable future. As we move forward, OPP welcomes partnerships with those who share our vision to transform ideas into action and create lasting environmental impact.
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