Boost to energy research in Singapore

A EUR 120 million energy research institute - one of the largest of its kind in Singapore and the region - opened at the Nanyang Technological University on June 15th 2010. Named ERI@N, it will be staffed by 250 research scientists and engineers. Actually last year Singapore has set up another significant research institute, SERIS, (Solar Energy Research Institue Singapore) in collaboration with ISE/Germany

ERI@N places emphasis on research areas that have strong industry relevance and commercialisation potential. Work with industry partners such as Robert Bosch, Rolls Royce and Vestas is already underway. SOLID was invited to present latest developments and perspectives on Solar thermal energy. Most interesting finding was that with just 1% of the area of Singapore that can easily be find on existing roofs solar themal cooling can provide 3.000 MW of cooling power. Compared to a total average electrical load of 4.000 MW this could have significant impact on the electricity production and distribution.

Other international speakers came from the Imperial College, London, Berkeley, CA, Caltech, Austrian Institute of Technology and other world wide selected leading institutions.

Speaking at the opening of the institute, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education S. Iswaran said ERI@N will add further depth to Singapore's energy R&D capabilities. 'These partnerships reap the benefits of innovation resources of the private sector and the research capabilities of the public sector,' he said.
'ERI@N also collaborates with internationally renowned academic institutions which is key in developing a vibrant research community in our energy sector.' The opening of ERI@N is a key step toward Singapore becoming a smart energy economy as outlined in the Economic Strategies Committee's recommendations that energy be a key national R&D priority

SOLID is looking forward to joint activities with ERI@N. You can download the SOLID presentation here .