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SINGAPORE: Singapore has achieved significant progress in its effort to become a "living laboratory" for solar energy.
Nine new solar test-bed projects in the private and public sector were unveiled on Thursday.
This brings the total commitment from the government for such projects, which allow the testing of new technology, to S$68 million.
This will also increase its installed base of solar systems to about 5 megawatts from just 200 kilowatts last year.
Singapore had earlier identified the development of clean technology as a key strategic growth area.
The nine new projects feature innovations such as a solar air-conditioning system which does not require electricity - a first in Singapore.
Another innovation being used in the testbed projects is the integration of solar panels into the building facade, by combining building materials with solar photo voltaic cells.
Another company specifically engineered roof clamps for its solar panels.
These were among the technologies used by the five private sector projects which were chosen by the Economic Development Board for their creative design and effectiveness.
The chosen projects are City Developments Limited's Tampines Grande, Lend Lease's 313@Somerset, Robert Bosch's regional headquarters building, Lonza Biologics's manufacturing facility, and Applied Materials' manufacturing facility.
The EDB said these projects will create opportunities for players in the cleantech industry - such as architects, engineers, developers and technology providers - to hone their expertise and track record which can position them for entry into the global energy market.
The EDB said Singapore is making good progress in its efforts to attract such test-bedding activities.
EDB's deputy managing director Manohar Khiatani said: "Singapore is looking at being the location where companies will find it attractive to carry out these activities here, be it foreign or local...
"If they can work together to come up with solutions, it really provides a win-win (situation) for both. The end-benefactor will be Singapore. We are positioning Singapore as a living lab."
The clean technology sector is expected to help Singapore generate S$3.4 billion in value-added and create 18,000 jobs by 2015. The fast-growing sector was estimated to be worth over US$150 billion globally in 2008, according to research firm New Energy Finance.
There is also potentially plenty of money to be saved. By adopting green features, a building such as the Tampines Grande is estimated to be able to cut its electricity bills by over half a million dollars annually.
The demand for green technology is expected to grow as it becomes cheaper and more efficient.
- CNA/ir
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