The Economic Development Board has recognised three research teams in Singapore and awarded them S$13 million under the thirteenth grant call of the Energy Innovation Research Programme.
The grant call was focused on innovations to lower the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore. Projects awarded in this grant call will focus on developing key areas that will lead to the widespread adoption and deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as a clean and sustainable source of electric power.
To accelerate the adoption of solar PV power in Singapore, the LCOE of PV power generation must continuously be reduced. The research areas covered include ways to – enhance the efficiency, reliability and durability of PV modules in Singapore’s climate, develop high power PV modules, improve real world energy yield of PV systems and take a holistic approach to lowering LCOE for distributed PV systems.
While talking about the projects, Yeoh Keat Chuan, Managing Director of EDB, said, "These new solar research projects will allow Singapore to tap on the fast growing regional solar market and bolster Singapore's position as the clean energy hub in Asia. The research into next-generation solar cells and systems, in close collaboration with the private sector, will also enable Singapore to accelerate its large-scale adoption of cost-competitive solar energy."
The three research proposals awarded funding under this Energy Innovation Research Programme:
Towards 30% Efficient Thin-film on Silicon Tandem Solar Cells (SERIS, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University)
High-performance 300-watt Multicrystalline Silicon Double-glass PV Modules for the Tropics (SERIS, National University of Singapore in partnership with REC Solar)
Holistic LCOE Reduction for Distributed Solar PV systems in Singapore (SERIS, National University of Singapore in partnership with Sunseap)
The energy research projects funded under the entire EIRP are expected to raise over S$13 million of industry funding, train more than 600 researchers and result in more than 30 potential spin-offs and commercialisation projects.