SINGAPORE - Get ready for a brighter, smarter future! By mid-2025, Singapore is taking its commitment to innovation a step further by installing an advanced smart light system along walkways, cycling paths, overhead bridges, bus stops, and taxi stands. This ambitious initiative is part of a larger project aimed at enhancing urban livability and promoting sustainable practices across the island.

Over the past year, the nation has successfully converted all 110,000 street lamps into smart lights capable of being remotely managed based on real-time weather conditions and varying lighting needs throughout the day. Remarkably, in September 2023, Singapore achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive Remote Control and Monitoring System (RCMS) for its street lighting.

The RCMS technology not only leads to significant energy savings but also streamlines maintenance efforts. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) reported that the system has already reduced energy consumption by approximately 8.75 million kWh per year—analogous to the electrical needs of around 2,000 four-room flats annually. When fully deployed across 350 kilometers of covered walkways, 525 kilometers of cycling paths, 560 pedestrian overhead bridges, and 4,400 bus stops and taxi stands, it is projected that energy savings will soar to about 0.124 million kWh per year.

Currently, about 30% of lights at these commuter facilities are equipped with this smart technology, with upgrades implemented between March and August 2023. Once the RCMS is fully operational, it is expected to eliminate the need for time-consuming nightly patrols to check for faulty lamps, saving LTA an impressive 4,200 man-hours each year.

One of the standout features of the RCMS is its ability to promptly identify faults in the lighting system. Once an issue is detected, maintenance staff are alerted immediately, allowing for resolution often on the same day it is reported. This proactive approach has led to an 80% decrease in public complaints regarding maintenance, dropping from about 800 instances per month to a mere fraction.

The journey towards smart street lighting began in the 2010s, marking the gradual replacement of outdated high-pressure sodium vapor lamps with energy-efficient LED lamps. These LEDs not only offer superior brightness but also contribute to enhanced safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.

The innovative control nodes installed within each lamp serve as the "brains" of the RCMS. These nodes are meticulously programmed to operate according to a calendar that syncs with real-time sunrise and sunset data, ensuring optimal lighting conditions every day.

As Singapore continues to pave the way for smarter, more energy-efficient urban infrastructure, the full rollout of this smart lighting system promises to make the city safer and more sustainable for everyone's benefit. Stay tuned for more updates on this electrifying transformation!