Speech by 2M Tan See Leng at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Centre for Hydrogen Innovations (CHI) Lab

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

1. It is my pleasure to be here at NUS today for the launch of the Centre for Hydrogen Innovations (CHI) Laboratory.

2. Since commencing operations in 2022 as a virtual centre, CHI has supported more than 17 projects with more than S$4.2 million in grants to advance hydrogen research. CHI's new prototype and testing facilities will now bring CHI to a new level of capabilities. As the first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia, CHI will help small and medium-sized enterprises develop quick prototypes and conduct qualification testing to facilitate the translation of new hydrogen technologies from the lab to real-world applications, and eventually commercialisation and scaling.

3. All this is only possible through the strong partnership between NUS and Temasek, which has catalysed new possibilities for Singapore in the hydrogen economy.

4. NUS emphasises an innovation-centric, multidisciplinary, and real-world approach to education, research, and entrepreneurship.

5. Temasek has consistently been a steward for sustainability and supporter of frontier research.

Hydrogen as a decarbonisation pathway for Singapore

6. What CHI is doing is important work.

7. Singapore is seriously studying low-carbon hydrogen as a decarbonisation pathway.

8. This was why then DPM Wong launched the National Hydrogen Strategy in 2022.

9. However, hydrogen technology is still nascent.

10. Significant technological breakthroughs are required to enable the deployment of hydrogen at scale and in a cost-effective manner.

11. We must prioritise raising the technological readiness levels and the market-readiness levels of hydrogen technologies.

12. This requires closer collaboration across all stakeholders across the ecosystem.

a. Everyone here today has a big role to play.

b. Since I cover both industry and manpower portfolios, let me speak about how we can double down on industry collaboration and skills upgrading to accelerate the development of our hydrogen ecosystem.

Strengthening industry collaboration

13. First, we must strengthen collaborations between the industry, the research community, and the Government.

14. Industry stakeholders know the problems best and can improve the value proposition and industry relevance of research projects.

15. At the end of the day, we want these projects to deliver commercial value.

16. Our researchers complement industry participation with their domain expertise and thorough research methodologies, to achieve new breakthroughs in technological bottlenecks.

17. On our part, The Government sets the strategic direction on hydrogen deployment, and where necessary, provides funding for R&D funding to catalyse research that is relevant to our national context.

18. Thus far, the government has set aside over $180 million to the Low-Carbon Energy Research (LCER) Funding Initiative.

a. Under our LCER Programme, CHI researchers are working with industry stakeholders to develop an integrated system that can crack and combust ammonia more efficiently for power generation.

b. The system aims to increase both overall energy efficiency and land use efficiency.

19. Our intent is that such collaborations improve both the technical and commercial viability of hydrogen technologies, and when adopted commercially, will accelerate the development of global hydrogen supply chains.

20. Another form of collaboration is through pathfinder projects.

a. This is how we obtain practical hands-on experience in a real-world environment, even as we manage risks carefully.

b. As part of these projects, we work closely with industry players who have the know-how, experience, and solutions.

c. Earlier this year, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) launched a closed Request for Proposal (RFP) for an ammonia solution for power generation and bunkering on Jurong Island.

d. [Announcement] After careful evaluation, we have shortlisted two consortia to proceed with the next phase of the RFP.

e. The Government will work closely with the two shortlisted consortia to do preliminary Front-End Engineering and Design (pre-FEED) studies to ascertain its technical and commercial viability in Singapore.

f. We aim to select a lead developer for the project by 1Q 2025.

21. These collaborations are testament to how Government and the private sector can work together to share risks and co-develop solutions.

Developing a Talent Pipeline for the Energy Sector

22. The second area that we need to work together on is to build a pipeline of talent that is ready for a low-carbon future.

23. Many new low-carbon technologies will have applications across multiple sectors, in energy and chemicals, chemical storage, marine bunkering, power generation and aviation.

24. Existing talent in these industries would need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to seize new opportunities.

a. First, we need top talent to identify opportunities, push frontiers, and catalyse the rest of the ecosystem and supply chain.

b. This could range from researchers and academics in organisations like the CHI, or business managers looking to utilise low-carbon technologies to decarbonise their operations or explore new business opportunities.

c. Next, our workforce will need to upskill and reskill to handle new low-carbon fuels, which would have different properties.

d. For example, how to handle hydrogen or ammonia safely, and to manage multi-fuel infrastructure or vessels.

25. I am glad to hear that NUS is taking steps to build up hydrogen capabilities in our workforce and is planning to introduce new courses for both undergraduates and adult learners.

a. These will enhance the university's suite of education offerings to prepare Singaporeans for a low carbon future.

Conclusion

26. In conclusion, I commend NUS, Temasek and CHI for its efforts in supporting hydrogen research and manpower development.

27. With continued investment in industry relevant research and education, I believe we can cultivate a thriving hydrogen ecosystem, complemented by a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce ready for a low carbon future.

28. The government will continue to support these efforts, which are essential in realising Singapore's 2050 net zero ambitions.

29. Thank you.

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