Singapore launches S$143 million initiative to help industries cut emissions
Three companies have also been approved to import and supply biomethane, a renewable alternative to natural gas, as Singapore explores ways to help industries decarbonise.
An employee checks readings at a laboratory in a pharmaceutical manufacturing factory in Singapore on Apr 17, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Edgar Su)
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
SINGAPORE: Singapore is launching a S$143 million (US$112 million) initiative to develop technologies that can help its industries reduce carbon emissions while remaining competitive.
Announcing the move on Friday (Oct 23), Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said up to S$100 million would be set aside for a new programme that allows companies to identify their decarbonisation challenges and work with researchers to develop solutions.
In a separate move, Keppel Energy, Sembcorp Utilities and Tuas Power Generation have been approved to import and supply biomethane into Singapore.
Biomethane is a renewable gas produced from organic waste that can replace natural gas in some applications. It is compatible with Singapore's existing gas infrastructure, making it a potential option for industries seeking to lower their emissions.
The three companies were appointed under a regulatory sandbox established last year to work through the supply, commercial and regulatory arrangements needed for wider adoption.
"The sandbox will help pave the way for wider biomethane adoption, supporting up to 300 megawatts of capacity from 2028," said Mr Gan.
Speaking at the inaugural Singapore Industry Decarbonisation Forum, Mr Gan said helping industries go green was essential to Singapore's climate goals.
Industries account for about 65 per cent of the country's emissions, including electricity-related emissions. Manufacturing alone contributes around 20 per cent of gross domestic product and employs one in eight workers.
"As we move towards a low-carbon future, we must help our industries make the transition successfully, so that they can continue growing and providing good jobs," said Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade).
HELPING COMPANIES DEVELOP AND TEST SOLUTIONS
The new S$143 million Industry Decarbonisation Funding Initiative forms part of Singapore's S$800 million Decarbonisation Grand Challenge (DGC), announced earlier this year.
Under the initiative, up to S$100 million will go towards the Decarbonisation Research for Industry, Ventures, and Enterprise (DRIVE) programme.
Companies can propose challenges they want researchers to tackle, such as capturing carbon more efficiently or turning captured carbon into useful products. Funding will be shared to help develop promising solutions.
Applications for DRIVE open on Friday.
Beyond research, five existing projects will receive follow-on funding under a S$65 million grant call to test their technologies in real industrial settings.
These include a carbon capture technology co-developed by the National University of Singapore that will be piloted at PowerSeraya, and a carbon mineralisation technology developed by A*STAR and Cora Environment that will be tested at Cora's energy-from-waste plant.
Singapore is also building a S$62 million shared test facility on Jurong Island to help companies trial low-carbon technologies without having to construct their own costly pilot facilities.
Its first three industry users are IHI Corporation, Amogy and Metha8, which will work with A*STAR on technologies involving sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen production and methanol-based power generation.
Mr Gan said Singapore's limited land and renewable energy resources meant that technologies used elsewhere might not always be suitable here.
He stressed that industry participation would be critical, from identifying problems and testing solutions to eventually putting viable technologies into use.
The aim, he said, is to lower emissions from factories and plants while ensuring Singapore's industries can continue growing and providing good jobs.
