Singapore Power (SP) today launched the Singapore Power Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Energy Development and Piloting at an initial investment of S$30 million. The CoE will drive the innovation and commercialization of next-generation energy network technologies, for greater reliability and efficiency of Singapore's infrastructure. The CoE, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), will develop, pilot, and integrate cutting-edge technologies in Singapore's infrastructure networks. For example, remote sensors and intelligent drones could be deployed to perform monitoring tasks, freeing up skilled staff for higher order work.
SP will form a dedicated 20-man team to spearhead the CoE. This core group will develop expertise in the development, testing and integration of new technologies in Singapore. The CoE will test-bed these technologies to validate technical viability, integrate them with SP's networks, and eventually commercialize them. This will also support SP's objective to build future-ready networks and capabilities, to deal with the global trends such as the drive for smarter and greener performance, as well as the adoption of renewable sources.
In conjunction with the launch of the CoE, SP also announced the Singapore Power Energy Advanced Research and Development (SPEAR) program as the CoE’s first initiative. Examples of technologies to be explored under SPEAR are in the areas of instrumentation and control, grid communications and smart energy management. SP is currently calling for industry companies to participate in SPEAR. Projects will be selected via a competitive and merit-based process, with awards expected from the fourth quarter of 2015 onwards.
SPEAR will see SP partnering industry companies to develop and pilot next-generation technologies that would enhance Singapore’s electricity value chain The themes for SPEAR are: Next-gen SCADA System with standardized communication protocols and algorithm to effectively manage and integrate energy flow of the future grid. Next-gen grid communications with hybrid network (wireless and wired) with high availability that is sustainable and scalable for increasing smart grid applications. Grid sensing using a real-time synchronized system to address a more dynamic distribution network switching environment and growing penetration of intermittent non-dispatchable renewables.
Substation modernization using non-proprietary, open-protocol solution that integrates all types of intelligent electronic devices. Advanced condition monitoring technologies. Turnkey tagging technologies for underground assets. And infrastructure and capabilities development to enable customer segmentation to improve energy demand side applications and offer value added services
“Our energy networks are the backbone of our economy and standard of living. The SP CoE will provide the platform for testing, developing and implementing innovative solutions. These made-in-Singapore innovations will be key to our goal to be the first smart energy network in Asia, in turn enhancing our ability to continue serving our customers efficiently and reliably.
“We hope the establishment of the CoE marks the beginning of a strong and fruitful partnership with EDB. We also look forward to collaborating with industry partners to develop the next generation energy solutions,†said Wong Kim Yin, Group CEO, Singapore Power
“Through the Centre of Excellence, Singapore Power will work with leading industry players in Singapore to develop and test solutions across the value chain. With strong technology expertise and the presence of many top companies in the power equipment and energy management space, we believe that Singapore is an ideal place for these collaborations to take place. We look forward to innovative solutions being co-developed between SP and its industry partners, thereby allowing Singapore to reap the benefits of an enhanced grid network, as well as to contribute to smart grid development in Asia,†said Mr Yeoh Keat Chuan, Managing Director, EDB.
