S'pore to move into research on clean energy

Work to produce viable solar power may result in $1.7b industry by 2015


SINGAPORE will join the race to develop 'clean energy', pumping $170 million into research into producing viable solar power, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced yesterday.

The decision, which came out of a two-day meeting of the high-powered Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC), could result in an industry worth $1.7 billion and employing 7,000 people by 2015.

The seed money will come from the $5 billion the Government earmarked for research and development over five years between 2006 and 2011.

Last year, the RIEC, which is chaired by Mr Lee, set aside $1.4 billion for three areas of research: biomedical sciences, environmental and water technologies, and interactive and digital media.

This year, the council, which includes eminent overseas scientists and businessmen, has lined up uses for another $1.08 billion.

A statement from it said it saw the need to focus on 'research aimed at solving significant practical problems while seeking to extend the boundaries of understanding'.

But the Prime Minister made it clear that the biomedical research push, which started before the RIEC was formed, will continue.

The issue was the subject of controversy recently when his sister, Dr Lee Wei Ling, who heads the National Neuroscience Institute, criticised Mr Philip Yeo, the outgoing chairman of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), for his 'ivory tower' approach to research.

In his first comment on the subject, Mr Lee said the Government was satisfied with what he called a 'sensible use of public funds'.

Paying tribute to Mr Yeo, he added: 'We gave him a very difficult mission. He has done it very well and we are very grateful.'

At a press conference held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel after the RIEC meeting, Mr Lee said the council was happy with the work it has done so far, but now wants to encourage a bottom-up approach to research.

'New ideas, not currently on our radar screens, could emerge,' he said.

The council will set aside $250 million over four years for this. Unlike the usual funding, which goes to individual projects, up to $10 million each could go to group projects addressing a specific problem.

Another $160 million over five years goes to the National Research Foundation's research fellowship scheme.

Successful applicants will get up to $1.5 million over three years, in addition to their salaries, to set up a small research team of their choice.

The biggest amount, a five-year budget of $500 million, will go towards setting up Research Centres of Excellence that will focus on 'investigator-led research and graduate education'.

This is on top of the $250 million that the Education Ministry will commit to the project.

The council sees advantages for Singapore's bid to develop 'clean energy', as it has the basic capabilities and scientific know-how to support such an industry.

Mr Lee said: 'Green energy or clean energy is something in great demand worldwide because of climate change.

'The growth is dramatic. Lots of investments around the world. We believe this is an area where technology will move, the market opportunities will grow and the investments are likely to come.'

He added that the Economic Development Board already has potential clients who want to set up 'clean energy' projects here.

'It's early days yet, but I think we have made significant progress. We've been able to bring to Singapore very high quality scientists.'

He warned that 'a lot of the dividends' from the foray into R&D will be indirect and it could take 10 to 15 years before there are results.

But he promised: 'We have to pursue this course, sustain it and watch the projects materialise and grow to fruition.

'I think we're going in the right direction.'