(2010-08-20) Singapore Embarks on a $1.85B “Green” Plant
As part of its drive to become a global hub for renewable and clean technology, the S
As part of its drive to become a global hub for renewable and clean technology, the Singapore government has embarked on a US$1.85 billion deal with the Norway-based Renewable Energy Corp. (REC) to construct and operate the largest solar panel manufacturing facility in the world.
Mr. Goh Chee Kiong, the director of Singapore’s Economic Development Board for Clean Technology, said that the city-state is now beefing up preparations for the $1.85-billion REC plant which will officially start operations later this year.
In a statement, Mr. Goh said that the solar panel manufacturing plant will be one of the major pillars in Singapore’s drive to become the global center for the development of clean technologies.
“We believe that the Asian market has the biggest potential and role in the development of clean technology, products, and solutions. Being at the center of the Asian trade route, we want Singapore to also be the center of the global marketplace for the green, renewable energy source,” Goh said.
The Singapore government, according to Goh, has already rolled out several tax incentive programs and other investment opportunities for any Singapore company that wanted to start operations in the country.
“We want to become one of the richest, if not the richest country in the world on a per-capita basis. This is a well-rehearsed formula, which aimed to provide the best career opportunity for the five million residents of the city,” the official added.
“Asia is fast becoming highly urbanized and with tough competition from South Korea and Japan, as well as China, the leading nations in the development of solar and wind technology, it is the best time for us to also accelerate the green solutions to address the growing problem of pollution and urbanization in the region,” Goh added.
To date, the REC complex employs around 1, 200 workers. Singapore has over 10, 000 workers in the green technology sector and plant to boost employment to around 20, 000 by 2015.
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For his part, REC executive vice-president and chief operating officer John Andersen said that the Tuas plant is a remarkable feat of engineering for Singapore, citing the limited land area of the country.
Of more than 140 proposals worldwide, Andersen has chosen Singapore because of its commitment to the development of solar energy, tax incentives for the program, and the availability of skilled workers to maintain operations in the years to come.
He said that the Singapore government’s support for the research and development of green technology is also the key for the partnership, citing the $700-million R&D program that aims to provide 200 scholarships for doctorate degree to students and skilled workers.
Besides the Tuas plant, the Singapore government also created a 50-hectare solar energy research institute and a 125-acre clean technology park for solar and wind energy enthusiasts.
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