$49 million Research Fund For Low-Carbon Energy Solutions

The Government today announced a $49 million Low-Carbon Energy ResearchFunding Initiative at the Singapore International Energy Week 2020. It will supportresearch, development and demonstration projects in low-carbon energy technologiessuch as hydrogen; and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) over the nextfive years. These efforts aim to accelerate the technical and economic viability of suchemerging technologies to reduce Singapore’s carbon emissions, particularly foremissions intensive areas like the power and industrial sectors.

2. Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing said, “Hydrogen, andcarbon capture, utilisation and storage, are promising technologies that have thepotential to transform Singapore’s energy landscape and help us achieve our longterm emissions reduction goals. This new funding initiative strengthens our currentefforts, and will accelerate our transition towards a cleaner and more sustainableenergy future.”

3. Research projects could include technologies that enable the effective captureof carbon dioxide (CO2) from low-concentration emission sources in the industrial andpower sectors, and to convert the CO2 into useful products such as building materials,reclamation sand and synthetic fuels. Test-beds for emerging technologies, such asthe blending of low-carbon hydrogen with natural gas in combined cycle gas turbines,will reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation. These test-beds could yieldinsights in applying low carbon technologies in Singapore’s context, and facilitatefuture deployment.

4. This funding initiative is a multi-agency involving the Agency for Science,Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Economic Development Board (EDB), theEnergy Market Authority (EMA), the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) andthe National Research Foundation (NRF). It will be co-driven by EDB and EMA toensure projects are relevant to the industrial and power sectors, with A*STAR as theimplementing agency on behalf of the Government.

5. As part of the Singapore Energy Story, this initiative seeks to build a moresustainable energy future by harnessing the four switches of energy supply, one ofwhich is the use of low-carbon alternatives. It supports Singapore’s vision for a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. More information on the Singapore Energy Storyand Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy is found in the Annex.

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About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's leadpublic sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partnersin both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Scienceand Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia andindustry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, andenhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, andsustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for thewider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedicalsciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily locatedin Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

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About the Singapore Economic Development Board

The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under theMinistry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’sposition as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. We undertakeinvestment promotion and industry development, and work with internationalbusinesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partnersand access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to createsustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities forSingapore.

For more information on EDB, please visit www.edb.gov.sg.

About the Energy Market Authority

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Tradeand Industry. Our main goals are to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply,promote effective competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energysector in Singapore. Through our work, EMA seeks to forge a progressive energylandscape for sustained growth.

Website: www.ema.gov.sg | Follow us: Instagram: @EMA_Singapore | Facebook:facebook.com/EnergyMarketAuthority | Twitter: @EMA_sg

About the National Climate Change Secretariat

The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) is part of the Strategy Group underthe Prime Minister’s Office, which develops and implements Singapore’s domestic andinternational policies and strategies to tackle climate change. NCCS achieves this byadopting a Whole-of-Government approach and working with the people and privatesectors to mitigate carbon emissions in all sectors, helping Singapore adapt to theeffects of climate change, harnessing economic and green growth opportunitiesarising from climate change, and encouraging public awareness and action on climatechange. For more information, please visit www.nccs.gov.sg.

About the National Research Foundation Singapore

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a department within the Prime Minister'sOffice. NRF sets the national direction for research and development (R&D) bydeveloping policies, plans and strategies for research, innovation and enterprise. Italso funds strategic initiatives and builds up R&D capabilities by nurturing researchtalent. The NRF aims to transform Singapore into a vibrant R&D hub that contributestowards a knowledge-intensive, innovative and entrepreneurial economy; and makeSingapore a magnet for excellence in science and innovation.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Energy Market Authority
Ms Cara Ng
Management Executive, Corporate Communications
Energy Market Authority
DID: (65) 6376 7476
Email: cara_ng@ema.gov.sg

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