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Decarbonisation research programme underscores Singapore’s net zero plans

26 Jul 2024, 2:08 am

Singapore’s new decarbonisation research programme is further proof of its commitment to building its hydrogen and carbon capture and storage capabilities as it pursues its 2050 net zero goals, corporate law experts have said.

Launched by the Singapore government’s National Research Foundation (NRF), the CREATE Thematic Programme in Decarbonisation will be hosted by the National University of Singapore and partner with other universities and institutions – including the University of Cambridge, the University of California, Berkeley, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University – to conduct nine research projects focusing on carbon conversion and utilisation technologies.

The NRF has said it will invest SG$90 million (US$66.95 million) into the new programme.

According to Bryan Chapman, a corporate law expert at Pinsent Masons specialising in the energy sector, the programme highlights Singapore’s plans for hydrogen and carbon capture and storage to play major roles in the country’s energy transition.

"The programme is further evidence of Singapore’s commitment to meeting its net zero emissions target by 2050 and keeping up with global leaders in researching and developing carbon conversion and utilisation technologies, non-fossil fuel-based feedstocks, ammonia-ready fuel cells for power generation and contributing towards Singapore’s capacity in hydrogen utilisation.”

William Stroll, also a corporate law expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “The nine selected projects in the programme include some fascinating areas for research and development between some of the world’s leading institutions, all with the fundamental goal of improving energy transition.”

“For Singapore, tackling its reliance on natural gas for its electricity generation will be critical to the country’s energy transition goals. Over the last few years, we have seen a shift in focus to building hydrogen-ready combined cycle gas turbines to eventually replace the country’s existing pure natural gas power plants. Investing in technologies to help build out the country’s capacity in hydrogen utilisation is a logical next step."

The programme is the latest in a series of developments in Southeast Asia intended to boost clean hydrogen capabilities in the region, including the establishment of new hydrogen energy-focused agencies in the Philippines and recently announced plans by Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to build two more natural gas, hydrogen-compatible power plants by 2030.