The move to grow the clean technology segment in Singapore got a boost on Thursday as an eco-business park, CleanTech One, was officially opened by JTC Corporation.
It is the first development in the larger CleanTech Park.
The new development is part of the government’s initiative to grow the clean technology (cleantech) segment.
CleanTech One gives companies the opportunity to develop and test their products prior to commercialisation.
Its proximity to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also allow firms to gain access to the university’s research capabilities.
Minister for Trade and Industry, Lim Hng Kiang, said: “Companies will need to be supported by the right infrastructure and a conducive environment to interact, innovate and thrive… Cleantech Park was conceived to be the choice home for R&D and business activities involving cleantech and sustainable urban solutions.”
These benefits have attracted local SME Diamond Energy to relocate to CleanTech One about a year ago. An energy solutions company that specialises in renewable energy generation, Diamond Energy said the potential collaboration with research institutes and raised awareness of Cleantech were among the main reasons for the move.
Dallon Kay, president and CEO of Diamond Energy, said: “There’s a good collaborative environment. Because of that, we have been able to anchor a number of our R&D initiatives and test bedding initiatives. CleanTech one is also an ideal location for our demand response centre.”
One of the projects they are exploring is the charging of electric vehicles, where they hope to implement a charging system which can be suspended, thus reducing the cost per charge for users when prices are high.
Diamond Energy is one of 22 tenants currently in CleanTech One, which boasts an occupancy rate of 84 per cent.
In a related move to boost the industry, Spring Singapore (SPRING) has set aside S$10 million to help small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the medical and clean technology sectors. This is through the appointment of three private sector providers or translators (PSTs).
The PSTs will translate lab research into working prototypes for SMEs, which can be then developed further or commercialised by firms.
360iP is one such technology commercialisation firm that has partnered NTU in providing services for the cleantech industry.
CleanTech Two, the second development in the eco-business park, is currently under construction and slated to be ready in 2014.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 5 Aug 2013