To further harness solar energy, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) is stepping up efforts to develop and deploy innovative solar energy technologies in partnership with private and public sectors.
In a statement on Tuesday, EMA said it has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CSEM, a Swiss technology innovation center, to jointly research and develop solar energy technologies.
Signed on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), the MOU covers several areas of cooperation, including research, development and exchange of knowledge on solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies and grid-integration solutions; assessment and testing of standards, safety, reliability and performance of solar technologies; and identification and exploration of suitable demonstration or pilot projects, with the opportunity for technology validation, knowledge and technology exchange, scale-up and commercialization.
In addition, EMA will collaborate with CSEM and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to pilot the use of solar PV roof tiles on heritage State buildings.
Designed to resemble traditional clay roof tiles, the solar PV tiles enable a larger roof area to generate clean electricity while retaining the overall appearance of the roofscape.
The use of traditional clay tile roofs forms an integral part of the character of heritage precincts. As such, conventional solar panels have only been installed at localized areas on the roofs of heritage buildings, so as to safeguard the overall appearance and historical character of these buildings.
This pilot presents an opportunity to test and seek out innovative technological solutions for potential application to this typology of buildings.
“Innovation will be key to unlocking Singapore’s solar potential. Through our partnership with CSEM and SLA, we are exploring innovative solar technologies that could bring clean energy to a wider range of buildings, including heritage State buildings,
“By pushing the boundaries of where solar can be deployed, we can create new opportunities to support Singapore’s energy transition,” said Puah Kok Keong, Chief Executive, EMA.
Prof. Tonio Buonassisi, CSEM Vice President of Sustainable Energy, said CSEM is proud to deepen its partnership with Singapore’s Energy Market Authority, bringing together Singapore’s commitment to a secure, resilient and low-carbon energy future with Switzerland’s innovation.
“Together, we aim to secure the energy transition by accelerating solar deployment and grid integration in Singapore while creating opportunities for Swiss photovoltaic and grid-management solutions,” he added.
Calvin Phua, Chief Executive, SLA, said SLA is committed to managing their state properties sustainably while safeguarding their heritage and architectural character.
“This collaboration will explore how innovative solar technologies can be sensitively integrated into heritage State properties, enabling them to generate clean energy while retaining their distinctive character,
“By bringing sustainability and conservation together, we can support the adaptive reuse of Singapore’s heritage State properties and keep them relevant for future generations,” he added.
Singapore launches new initiatives to boost solar deployment