Singapore’s National University of Singapore (NUS) has officially launched its Centre for Hydrogen Innovations (CHI), marking a significant step in the country’s National Hydrogen Strategy.
The Centre aims to advance hydrogen research and commercial applications within Singapore. Spanning over 600 square meters and equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, the Centre intends to bolster the nation’s hydrogen research capabilities.
The launch of CHI was officiated by Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, underscoring the government’s support for hydrogen research. CHI was initially established as a virtual Centre in July 2022 with a S$25 million investment, comprising a S$15 million endowed gift from Temasek and S$5 million in matching government funds, alongside additional funding from NUS.
While the financial commitment is substantial, it is important to compare this investment to global benchmarks. For instance, the European Union’s Hydrogen Strategy outlines an investment of €430 billion by 2030. Singapore’s investment, though significant, appears modest in comparison, raising questions about the potential scale and impact of CHI’s efforts.
CHI’s research activities are organized under four key areas: green hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, hydrogen carrier systems, and hydrogen utilization. The Centre has provided over S$4.2 million in grants to support 17 hydrogen-related research projects and secured an additional S$8 million grant under the Low Carbon Energy Research programme for ammonia combustion research.
However, the focus on grants and funding highlights a critical issue: the transition from research to practical, scalable solutions. While funding research is crucial, the true measure of success lies in the practical application and commercial viability of these innovations. The Centre’s collaboration with industry stakeholders, including Siemens Energy and Chevron, aims to bridge this gap. Yet, the effectiveness of these partnerships in driving significant technological breakthroughs remains to be seen.
For example, the creation of a hydrogen supply chain, including production, storage, distribution, and utilization infrastructure, is a complex and capital-intensive endeavor. Countries like Germany and Japan are investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, with plans for extensive hydrogen pipelines and storage facilities. Singapore’s strategy must similarly address these infrastructural challenges to realize the full potential of hydrogen as a viable energy source.
Dr. Tan also highlighted the importance of building a pipeline of talent for a low-carbon future. CHI plans to recruit scholars and train PhD students to enhance its research capabilities. While this focus on education and training is commendable, it is essential to consider the broader context of workforce development.
Developing a skilled workforce requires not only specialized education programs but also practical training and industry exposure. The effectiveness of CHI’s educational initiatives will depend on their ability to provide hands-on experience and foster industry-academic collaboration. Moreover, retaining talent within Singapore’s hydrogen sector will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in the global hydrogen market.
CHI has taken steps to promote public awareness of hydrogen energy through initiatives like the “Hydrogen Innovation Challenge,” where student teams created social media content to envision Singapore’s transition to hydrogen energy. While these initiatives are valuable for raising awareness, the ultimate success of hydrogen adoption hinges on industry uptake and public acceptance.
The Centre’s efforts to engage industry partners and develop practical hydrogen applications, such as gas turbine technology with Siemens Energy and liquid hydrogen carrier production with Chevron, are promising. However, the real-world impact of these projects will depend on their ability to deliver tangible, scalable solutions that can be integrated into Singapore’s energy landscape.
