SPEECH BY MR S ISWARAN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY ON TUESDAY, 15 JUNE 2010, 0930 HRS AT THE NANYANG EXECUTIVE CENTRE

Professor Bertil Andersson

Provost, Nanyang Technological University

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

A very good morning to all of you.I am pleased to join you for the opening of the new Energy Research Institute at NTU or ERI@N (Ee-ree-ahn) in short.

Energy Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) - A Key National R&D Priority

Earlier this year, the Government accepted the Economic Strategies Committee’s (ESC) recommendations that Energy be a key national R&D priority. This will lay the foundation for Singapore to become a smart energy economy – one that is resilient, sustainable and innovative in our energy use.

In this regard, Energy RD&D is a key enabler of a smart energy economy. Apart from creating higher value activities and quality jobs, such research helps enhance our energy security and strengthen our environmental sustainability.

In the last few years, we have made significant progress in building up our energy R&D capabilities through the development of research institutes. These institutes have been established with the best complement of our existing strengths in science and engineering from within Government and our tertiary institutions.To further diversify our RD&D portfolio, new growth areas such as Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and Bio-energy have also been identified.

The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (or SERIS) which was established in 2008, marked our first major investment into energy RD&D. Since then, this state-of-the-art research facility at NUS, has grown from strength to strength. Through research agreements with recognised industry leaders such as REC and Trina Solar, SERIS continues to develop cutting-edge industry-oriented solutions in the field of solar energy conversion. A*STAR has also recently established the Experimental Power Grid Centre that aims to be a world-class centre for technologies in intelligent and micro grids, as well as distributed energy resources.

ERI@N - A Key Milestone In Energy RD&D

Today, the opening of ERI@N will add further depth to our Energy R&D capabilities.This S$200 million centre will be staffed by 250 research scientists and engineers when it reaches steady state. It will be one of the largest energy-related public R&D centres in Singapore and the region.

I am pleased to note that ERI@N has a broad-based scope, with an emphasis on research areas that have strong industry relevance and commercialisation potential. ERI@N has already started to work with notable industry partners such as Robert Bosch, Rolls Royce and Vestas on joint projects. These partnerships reap the combined benefits of innovation resources of the private sector and the research capabilities of the public sector. They aim to develop practical solutions for Singapore and the world, in areas such as energy storage, wind and marine renewables, green and smart buildings and fuel cells.

ERI@N also collaborates with internationally-renowned academic institutions which is key in developing a vibrant research community in our energy sector. ERI@N will provide a platform for the exchange of scientific insights and in so doing also attract and develop world-class research and technology talent. All of which is crucial in supporting energy related sectors such as the fast developing Cleantech industry.

Conclusion

Singapore’s significant investments in Energy RD&D demonstrate our long term commitment towards overcoming our future energy challenges and transforming the country into a smart energy economy. The opening of ERI@N today marks a significant milestone in these efforts.

I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the Nanyang Technological University on the establishment of ERI@N.I wish you every success.

Thank you.