NUS Engineering's Centre for Energy Research and Technology, Singapore Institute of Power and Gas and Singapore Test Services sign MOU to collaborate on Energy Storage Systems
Singapore, 11 June 2015 – The Centre for Energy Research and Technology (CERT) of the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Singapore, Singapore Institute of Power and Gas (SIPG) and Singapore Test Services (STS) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly collaborate in the creation of platforms and training opportunities for integrating Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Singapore's power grid.
Grid-level energy storage refers to the technologies capable of storing electricity on a large scale within an electrical power grid. Examples include electrochemical batteries and flywheels. In Singapore, these could be used to reduce demand during peak periods; as reserves for frequency regulation; and to support the deployment of intermittent generation sources like solar energy.
To build up local capability for the implementation of grid-scale ESS, the three parties will collaborate to (1) enhance the professional expertise essential for the integration of grid-scale ESS into the power grid of Singapore, and (2) establish a set of product technical standard for grid-scale ESS in Singapore.
In the area of building up local professional expertise to support ESS integration, CERT will develop Continuing Education and Training courses for research and development into ESS design and architecture, with SIPG providing Professional Engineering Training courses on ESS integration for professionals in the power industry. Supporting the training of professional expertise, STS will provide the relevant test facilities for the courses.
"As Singapore steps up its efforts towards energy sustainability, this MOU is certainly a timely initiative. Through this collaboration, we will introduce the latest R&D in energy storage systems of local relevance through university and continuing education, translational research and standardisation. We believe Singapore can be a significant global player in energy storage systems by focusing on important niche areas such as standardisation, as well as the development of plug-and-play components for eventually, an internet of energy storage systems," said Professor Lee Jim Yang, Director of CERT and Head of the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at NUS Engineering.
"SIPG is committed to developing expertise and skills to produce sustainable solutions in the power sector. Together with like-minded partners, we will equip engineers to integrate ESS technologies with Singapore's power grid. SIPG is backed by the deep and long experience of the Singapore Power Group, primarily the electricity transmission and distribution business. Besides training, we could contribute actively in the establishment of a product technical standard for ESS," said Chris Lim, Director of SIPG.
On the development of a product technical standard for ESS in Singapore, STS will be the primary anchor, with CERT providing its technical expertise on ESS designs and testing.
"The MOU signed today underscores Singapore Test Services' interest in working with players in the local energy industry to achieve Singapore's long term plan to integrate renewable energy sources, like solar energy, into the nation's electricity grid, " said Bernard Tan, President of the Commercial Business Group at ST Kinetics, the parent company of STS. "STS has provided our testing and certification services over the years to customers in many industries to meet international technical standards. We believe that we can contribute our deep experience and expertise to a future set of ESS technical standards that will enable the safe and consistent implementation of ESS in Singapore."
Singapore Institute of Power and Gas
Desmond Ho
Singapore Power Ltd (Corporate Affairs)
desmondho@singaporepower.com.sg
Singapore Test Services
Seng Woei Yuan
ST Kinetics (Corporate Communications)
sengwy@stengg.com
Karen Loh
NUS Office of Corporate Relations (Media Relations)
karenloh@nus.edu.sg
About the Singapore Institute of Power and Gas
Singapore Institute of Power and Gas Pte Ltd (SIPG) is the national provider of training services in the power and gas sector. A subsidiary of Singapore Power Training and Consultancy Company Pte Ltd, the training and consultancy arm of Singapore Power Ltd, SIPG targets to be the Centre of Excellence for training and development in the power and gas sector.
About Singapore Test Services
Singapore Test Services Pte Ltd (STS) is a leading provider of one-stop accredited test, inspection, certification, calibration and training services for more than 30 years. A subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics), the land systems arm of integrated engineering group Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), STS helps its customers meet their quality, maintenance, environment, health and safety compliance requirements with emphasis on quality service, quick turnaround time and customer satisfaction.
About National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading research-intensive university centred in Asia. Ranked in the top 30 worldwide, NUS offers a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. NUS has three Research Centres of Excellence (RCE) and 26 university-level research institutes and centres. It is also a partner in Singapore's fifth RCE. NUS shares a close affiliation with 16 national-level research institutes and centres. Research activities are world class, and NUS is well-known for its research strengths in engineering, life sciences, medicine, social sciences, natural sciences and at the intersection of these disciplines to address issues such as ageing and sustainability.
This year, NUS celebrates its 110th year of founding together with Singapore's 50th year of independence. As the island's first higher education institution established by the local community, NUS prides itself in nurturing generations of leaders and luminaries in Singapore and Asia.
For more information on NUS, please visit www.nus.edu.sg. Details on NUS' 110th Anniversary celebrations are available at nus110.sg.
About the Centre for Energy Research and Technology at NUS Engineering
The Centre for Energy Research and Technology (CERT), a research centre of the NUS Faculty of Engineering, was formed in September 2014. CERT integrates the energy research capabilities and resources at NUS in five areas, namely, Natural Gas, Energy Storage, Smart Grid, Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency. It seeks to develop energy technologies that will deliver impact to Singapore through consultations with government agencies and collaborations with the industry and other research partners; and introduce these technologies developed at NUS to the market.