Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Developers May Get Grants Of Up To S$1m When Installing Panels

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 06 May 2008

The Economic Development Board (EDB) has unveiled more details of the Solar Capability Scheme, aimed at spurring demand for clean technology and building up expertise in the new industry.

The S$20 million scheme was first announced in Parliament in April by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran.

The EDB said it expects to fund up to 100 projects.

Under the scheme, new buildings need a minimum Green Mark Gold standard to qualify for a 30 to 40 per cent grant, while existing buildings will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, said: "We expect interest, and this interest should grow as greater awareness seeps into the industry. Today, the very early adopters are already implementing some form of solar energy systems.

"So with this scheme, we are partially offsetting their initial capital investment, so we should expect that this will be welcomed by the developers and building owners."

Besides meeting the required standard, other criteria include the innovative application of solar technologies and the aesthetics of the panels as part of the buildings and solar system design.

A seven-member Clean Energy International Advisory Panel has also been formed to help spur industries towards clean energy.

Led by EDB's Chairman Lim Siong Guan, the panel will meet for the first time in June. It is tasked to give advice on the overall development of the clean energy industry in Singapore. - CNA/vm

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