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Singapore took another step forward towards becoming a clean energy hub in Asia-Pacific with a recent foundation laying ceremony held for the CGNPC Singapore Photoelectricity-Biomass Energy Integrated Power Generation Project in Singapore. The construction of an integrated biomass-solar power generation plant is a milestone for the cleantech industry in Singapore, will be driven by the China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Corporation (CGNPC).
Due to be completed by 2013, the US$ 33.6 million facility will generate 9.9-megawatts of electricity by drawing from a unique mix of waste biomass and solar energy. Through a proprietary waste-to-energy process using wood and horticultural waste, as well as a solar rooftop installation, the plant will provide a "green" solution to Singapore's growing energy needs. It will also play a significant role in moulding a sustainable landscape for the city-state.
As the first overseas project developed and initiated by CGNPC, the company has decided to establish its regional headquarters here, affirming Singapore's strategic position as the gateway to the clean energy market in Asia Pacific.
CGNPC Senior VP Tan Jiansheng, who attended the ceremony on behalf of Chinese government, told media that "Singapore is an ideal gateway for companies keen to develop clean energy solutions tailored for Asia, given its robust supply chain capabilities and connections to the region. This facility will aim to meet the energy needs of Singapore as part of our ongoing efforts to provide clean energy for the benefit of humanity".
Agreeing, Mr Tan Choon Shian, Acting Managing Director of Singapore Economic Development Board, who represented Singapore, said that this will "pave the way for many more Asian cleantech enterprises to grow their international footprint in Singapore".
"With our multinational business community, highly-skilled workforce, strong focus on innovation and intellectual property protection, Singapore is well-placed to serve as a strategic base for Chinese Cleantech companies to orchestrate their regional and global business activities," he added.
By 2015, the cleantech industry is expected to employ some 18,000 people, contributing S$3.4 billion to Singapore's GDP. With such projections, the integrated biomass-solar power generation plant will be the first step in paving the way for greater proliferation of clean technologies in Singapore.