Singapore ramps up research to integrate renewable energy sources

SINGAPORE is building the region's first micro-grid to integrate multiple renewable energy sources as it scales up its expertise beyond solar power.

The Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator Singapore, to be built offshore at Semakau Landfill, will test and demonstrate the integration of solar, wind, tidal-current, diesel, storage and power-to-gas technologies. It will produce enough electricity to power about 250 HDB four-room flats.

Led by Nanyang Technological University, and supported by the Economic Development Board and National Environment Agency, it will cost an initial sum of S$8 million, and is expected to draw in another S$20 million in projects from industry players, such as Accenture, Alstom, GDF Suez and Schneider Electric.

Said Second Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran: "I believe that the successful ability for Singapore, together with our partners, to provide electricity to island communities and remote villages, as well as strengthen grid stability in urban communities, all of which are acute needs in Asia."