SEAS embarks on S$1.8m plan to boost clean energy industry in Singapore

Channel NewsAsia 27 Nov 07;

SINGAPORE: The Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) is embarking on a S$1.8 million programme to enhance the capabilities of the sustainable energy industry in Singapore.

The SEAS Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) programme is expected to generate S$39 million in value-add, S$130 million in revenue and 245 new jobs over the next three years.

SEAS aims to strengthen the clean energy industry by providing key players with financial support, technological expertise and business consultancy.

The new LEAD programme, which is supported by SPRING Singapore and International Enterprise Singapore, will help develop this industry.

Edwin Khew, Chairman of SEAS, said: "We will provide a platform to facilitate companies that are getting involved. What we want to do is to provide a forum where they can all sit, talk, develop business and form partnerships to do these projects."

Industry players said funding opportunities for renewable projects are overwhelming and Singapore is in a good position to take advantage of this.

Erik Thorsen, President and CEO of Renewable Energy Corporation, said: "Singapore offers a great mix of competence, availability, stability in the infrastructure. It has a good climate for investments and is also a centre point in the Asian territory. We look at this as a combination of factors."

Singapore is seeking alternative and more environmentally friendly sources of fuel, and the government is calling on the private sector to support the drive for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

Some of the new plans under the SEAS LEAD programme include incubating and nurturing start-ups, establishing Singapore as the Asia-Pacific Clean Energy Hub, and generating new jobs and training.