Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swiss technology innovation centre CSEM to research and develop solar energy technologies, as the city-state seeks to expand renewable power generation despite limited land.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Singapore International Energy Week. It covers research and knowledge exchange on solar photovoltaic technologies and grid-integration solutions, alongside assessments of solar technologies for safety, reliability and performance.
The partners will also identify potential demonstration and pilot projects. These will allow technologies to be tested and technical expertise exchanged, while helping assess opportunities to scale up and commercialise suitable solutions.
A separate pilot will test solar photovoltaic roof tiles on heritage state buildings. EMA will work on the project with CSEM and the Singapore Land Authority. The tiles are designed to resemble traditional clay roof tiles while generating electricity.
Conventional solar panels have been installed only in limited areas on some heritage buildings to preserve their architectural character. The proposed tiles could allow a larger portion of suitable roofs to produce clean electricity without significantly changing their appearance.
CSEM said the partnership could create opportunities for Swiss photovoltaic and grid-management technologies in Singapore. EMA said the collaboration would explore innovative solutions that could widen solar deployment.
Solar is Singapore’s most viable domestic renewable energy source, but land constraints and variable weather limit its potential. The government has been expanding rooftop and floating solar installations while investing in technologies that could improve performance or use additional surfaces.
The agreement establishes a framework for joint research and pilot work. It does not specify a commercial rollout date for the new roof-tile technology.
