22 February 2008

Propelling Singapore as a clean energy hub

SOLAR POWER: Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr S Iswaran (centre); NUS President Prof Shih Choon Fong (left); and Mr Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, at the launch of SERIS.

Moving towards Singapore as a clean energy hub in Asia, NUS is collaborating with Economic Development Board's Clean Energy Programme Office (CEPO) to establish the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS). The joint effort will build strong capabilities in solar technologies through the training of skilled manpower and high quality research.

Officiating the launch (21 Feb) of the new Institute at NUS, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr S Iswaran said: "I am pleased that the NUS has come forward to host this national research laboratory and that Professor Joachim Luther, an internationally renowned solar R&D leader, is leading SERIS. With such strong leadership and support, I am confident that SERIS will put us on the world map for solar R&D."

SERIS CEO-Designate Prof Joachim Luther is the former director of Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Europe’s largest solar energy R&D institute, and Professor of Physics at the University of Freiburg in Germany.

Established with $130 million over five years, SERIS will focus on three key areas of research for a start – silicon-based solar cells, novel photovoltaic devices and innovative materials for solar and energy-efficient buildings. The institute will be operational from April 2008 with 25 researchers.

SERIS will leverage on NUS capabilities in engineering and architecture. The Faculty of Engineering already offers modules on the fundamentals of semi conductor technology and solar energy utilisation. Building on these foundations and in cooperation with the EDB, the Faculty will set up a Specialist Manpower Programme. A short course in solar energy for undergraduates will commence soon. The Department of Architecture also plans to introduce a new module to equip students with the critical skills to design and manage low-energy and carbon-neutral building.

Said NUS President Prof Shih Choon Fong: "SERIS is NUS’ contribution to national goals and efforts to build a global clean energy hub through integrating inter-disciplinary research, quality education and specialist consultancy services. NUS is privileged to host SERIS, which promises to develop cutting edge solar technologies to serve the pressing need for clean and renewable energy in Singapore and beyond."