The Singapore government has unveiled its plan to stimulate research in the applications of clean technology in the Republic's energy sector. Over the next five years, S$17 million (US$11.3 million) will be invested in the setting up of the Clean Energy Research & Testbedding (CERT) Programme, which is the first initiative launched by the Clean Energy Programme Office (CEPO).

CERT will provide opportunities for companies to develop applications and solutions to test-bed their clean energy technologies in Singapore. The three key partners involved are R&D organisations, technology providers and implementers.

R&D organistions will lead and conduct testbedding activities, while technology providers will provide the clean energy equipment and technologies to participate in these activities. The implementers are Government agencies, which will provide the testbedding locations as well as facilitate these projects. The testbedding locations for the first phase include the National University of Singapore, National Parks Board's Gardens by the Bay, PUB's Marina Barrage and Singapore Polytechnic's campus.

Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board, and Executive Director, CEPO, says, "CERT is an excellent opportunity for the private and public sectors to work together to develop and test-bed cutting-edge clean energy solutions and systems using government facilities as a 'field laboratory'. In the process, we build up industry expertise in the development and implementation of clean energy solutions."