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1. The International Advisory Panel (IAP) on Clean Energy commended Singapore’s plan for leadership in clean energy by focusing on three key areas:
• Building R&D capabilities to drive Clean Energy applications and industry growth;
• Building a vibrant Clean Energy ecosystem with activities across the entire value chain, from research to design to manufacturing to global outreach; and
• Building strong capabilities in Clean Energy through innovative solutions and test-bedding in a tropical urban environment.
2. The IAP noted that in the coming years, conventional energy prices will rise while technology and process improvements will bring the cost of clean energy down. This means an escalating world demand in cleantech and renewable energy to enhance energy security, environmental security and security of cost. New technologies will have to be developed and commercialised.
3. The IAP recommended that Singapore move with speed on Clean Energy initiatives for two reasons:
• To gain a headstart in knowledge and expertise, and thus be better able to take advantage of global business opportunities that will open up with the accelerating adoption of Clean Energy around the world. To be credible, Singapore should be a living demonstration of cleantech solutions;
• To engage the public on the use of Clean Energy in the light of global concerns over the environment and climate change.
4. The IAP also noted that many countries and cities around the world are moving into the cleantech space, including cleantech clusters and industries. Members recommended that Singapore should quickly leverage our strengths in systems integration and governmental leadership to differentiate ourselves, including developing a globally distinctive cleantech park.
5. Panel members commended the Clean Energy Programme Office (CEPO) for its comprehensive industry development plan on a five-prong strategy:
• Promoting the Clean Energy Research Programme (CERP)
• Building R&D competence centres
• Establishing Singapore as a global test-bed
• Encouraging cleantech entrepreneurship including cleantech incubators and funding
• Developing knowledgeable and capable manpower
6. The IAP was pleased to see the government take the lead to test-bed pioneering Clean Energy applications, including its incorporation into green buildings. They urged that Singapore move fast to build up the skills, talent, experience, smart regulation and capabilities for a globally competitive industry. Such new key capabilities include building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), power electronics, and materials technologies.
7. The IAP visited the new Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the National University of Singapore. Members agreed that SERIS should be the vanguard of knowledge creation in the many facets of solar technologies, systems and applications.
8. The IAP is co-chaired by:
• Lord Ronald Oxburgh, former Chairman of the UK House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology and former Chairman of Shell Transport and Trading PLC, UK; and
• Mr Lim Siong Guan, Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board.
It held its inaugural meeting on 19 and 20 June 2008.
9. IAP Co-Chairman Ron Oxburgh said, “In recent years, Clean Energy industries such as solar and wind have experienced exponential growth. These industries will bring with them a substantial amount of economic and environmental benefits. I’m glad to see that Singapore has taken a huge step forward and is on track to build a robust Clean Energy ecosystem.”
10. IAP Co-Chairman Mr Lim Siong Guan remarked, “The panellists’ valuable insights will help Singapore accelerate our efforts to be a leader in Clean Energy. If CEPO implements our strategies well, there will be many exciting business opportunities available for companies based here.”
DETAILS
Building R&D capabilities to drive industry growth
11. CEPO has achieved good progress in building up R&D capabilities with the inaugural call of the Clean Energy Research Programme (CERP). The selected projects under CERP will provide funding to the industry, as well as to local universities for basic and applied research which pursue innovative and novel ideas. These projects could lead to spin-offs and commercial products in a few years.
12. The Panel also advised that to stay ahead of the competition, research talent must be seen as a key enabler for boosting the Clean Energy industry. Singapore should invest more time and resources to develop the local talent pool and shape the profile of the workforce so as to build a core that is competent in this innovation- and knowledge-intensive industry. To such an end, CEPO has recently given out prestigious overseas scholarships to develop leading local researchers for the future.
13. The Panel also reviewed and endorsed the workplan for SERIS, which is hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS). SERIS will play the key role of linking basic research conducted in local universities, such as NUS, to industry-relevant technology. SERIS will also attract and cultivate a research talent pool which will be critical to the development of a competitive and sustainable solar industry in Singapore. The Panel concurred with SERIS’ plan to focus on certain key areas, such as thin-film silicon photovoltaics and energy efficient buildings in the tropics, in order to become a leader in these areas.
Building a vibrant Clean Energy ecosystem with activities across the entire value chain
14. Major international players are entering Asia and are recognising opportunities in Singapore. Over the past two years, Singapore has attracted companies such as Renewable Energy Corporation (REC), Norsun, Oerlikon Solar, Vestas and Rolls Royce. These companies hail from various Clean Energy sectors, and are forming the foundation of a globally competitive industry in Singapore.
15. The IAP also agreed that as a technologically advanced and agile economy, Singapore is ideally placed to develop energy efficient systems suited to the equatorial sunbelt and emerging market conditions. Singapore possesses unique competitive advantages to succeed in solar technologies, building on existing research and manufacturing capabilities. There could also be much potential demand from the off-grid market due to the large population without access to electricity in the surrounding region. Singapore should encourage more activities across the entire value chain, including systems integration.
Building innovative capabilities in Clean Energy through test-bedding in our urban environment
16. The Panel also commended efforts by the public sector to allow companies to develop applications and test-bed their Clean Energy technologies using government infrastructure via the Clean Energy Research and Test-bedding (CERT) Programme. One such example is the Zero-Energy Building by the Building & Construction Authority (BCA).
17. The Solar Capability Scheme (SCS), which was launched last month, in turn incentivizes the private sector to incorporate solar technologies into their building design. SCS leverages on BCA’s Green Mark scheme which encourages developers to construct buildings with green features. Together, this will spur more innovative design and integration of solar technologies into green buildings. In addition, the Panel also recommended that Singapore develop a few significant sites with suitable physical infrastructure for companies to showcase and demonstrate Clean Energy solutions.
18. Singapore would have to move fast to develop necessary capabilities in these areas to position itself as a regional leader in sophisticated and innovative Clean Energy solutions. This would in turn lead to the export of these solutions to overseas markets, and also to hasten mass adoption in Singapore when they become cost efficient.
Conclusion
19. The Panel concluded that Singapore is on track to develop a robust Clean Energy ecosystem. They cautioned that success will require determination and tenacity, smart regulation and government leadership.
For media queries, please contact:
Ms Tjan Hui Shi
DID: 65-6832-6216
Mobile: 65-9007-2162
Email: hui_shi_tjan@edb.gov.sg
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