Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, the Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development, announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing Singapore’s capabilities in sustainable energy. The programme will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including AI for materials discovery, autonomous laboratories, and novel flow chemistry setups.
These advanced tools and methods will enable researchers to focus on converting and utilising carbon dioxide and non-fossil fuel-based feedstocks, such as biomass, to produce essential commodity chemicals. This includes the production of biofuels and speciality chemicals, which are crucial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
This new CREATE Thematic Programme in Decarbonisation unveiled at the CREATE Symposium and hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS), signifies a major step forward in the nation’s commitment to addressing climate change and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The programme is set to focus on innovative technologies to address carbon conversion and utilisation, with significant emphasis on hydrogen utilisation and non-fossil fuel-based pathways.
The programme will involve leading researchers from NUS, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), CREATE partners, and international experts from institutions such as the Max Planck Institute and Tohoku University.
Additionally, the programme aims to develop new insights into the combustion behaviours of zero-carbon fuel blends and to create ammonia-ready fuel cells for power generation.
The research efforts under this programme are diverse and ambitious. They include:
Hydrogen Utilisation: Exploring combustion behaviours of zero-carbon fuel blends and developing ammonia-ready fuel cells for power generation.
Carbon Conversion: Utilising biomass and carbon dioxide to produce high-value chemicals and sustainable aviation fuel.
Green Chemistry and Synthetic Biology: Employing sustainable methods to convert biomass into biofuels and using synthetic biology to create chemicals and biofuels from carbon dioxide.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is investing SG$90 million in this programme, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This significant financial commitment will support a diverse range of projects, including AI Xploration of Catalysis on Inorganic Surfaces (collaboratively undertaken by UC Berkeley, NTU, and A*STAR), Sustainable Chemical Conversion of Biomass (conducted by the Max Planck Institute, NTU, and NUS), and the Development of Advanced Catalysts for Electrochemical Carbon Abatement (led by NUS).
Professor Tan highlighted the unique nature of the CREATE programme, which brings together top international researchers to address critical scientific, social, and economic challenges. This collaborative effort is essential for developing innovative solutions and approaches to decarbonise economies globally.
Climate change poses an existential threat, particularly for small island states like Singapore. The country is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, aiming to cut emissions to around 60 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. The CREATE programme aligns with the Singapore Green Plan, focusing on energy research, increasing energy efficiency, and developing green economies.
The programme aims to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen. Optimising hydrogen use could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The collective efforts of international and local partners will create new opportunities for green growth and sustainability, benefiting Singapore and the global community.
The CREATE Thematic Programme in Decarbonisation represents a bold step towards a sustainable future. By harnessing the collective expertise of leading researchers and leveraging advanced technologies, Singapore is poised to make significant strides in its decarbonisation efforts, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.
