SINGAPORE : Singapore has not had a solar energy sector to boast about until Friday.

Renewable Energy Corporation has confirmed that it will build a solar manufacturing plant in Singapore - the largest in the world.

It can produce 1.5 gigawatts a year, or three-quarters of the world's total output last year.

Singapore is basking in the sun for its latest scoop.

The plant will put the country firmly on the world map for clean energy.

Singapore was picked out of a possible 200 locations.

The plant at Tuas View will produce 1.5 gigawatts of solar wafers, cells and modules each year.

Erik Thorsen, President and CEO, Renewable Energy Corporation, says: "The complex will be integrated but it will be developed in stages. We will not turn on 1.5 GW production from one day to another. It's a big complex that we will be developing in stages but it'll be done as fast as we can."

The company's goal is to half the cost of solar modules, bringing it closer to the cost of grid electricity.

With global warming and the rising cost of fuels, it says potential demand for clean energy like solar cannot be measured.

The project is a major win for Singapore and the Economic Development Board says it will spawn a whole new industry in solar energy from research and development and manufacturing to the supply side of the equation.

EC alone will create over 2,000 jobs for skilled personnel from engineers to management.

The EDB says this will ride on Singapore's experience in the semiconductor industry.

Ko Kheng Hua, Managing Director, EDB, says: "Singapore is also at the heart of the Asian sunbelt where energy consumption is rising due economic growth and urbanisation, while at the same time, hundreds of millions do not have access to grid electricity."

Mr Thorsen says: "We will offer training programmes and we are going to collaborate with very dedicated Singapore institutions and universities in order to be able to bring this business and opportunities alive."

The plant will produce solar products that can power several millions of homes. - CNA/ch