What is the key purpose behind the Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²)
The Institute was established to pivot research in the Energy and Chemicals sector towards sustainability and focus on collaborative efforts with companies on Jurong Island and in Singapore, to manage the energy transition and seize opportunities it brings. One of our aims is to make Jurong Island competitive and sustainable, transforming it into what we call a Sustainable Jurong Island. Our historical strength in chemical technologies and catalysis places us in a favorable position to tackle challenges like decarbonization and waste conversion, aligning closely with our vision to lead and innovate within the energy and chemicals sector.
Can you explain the process of catalysis and its significance in achieving decarbonization?
Catalysis fundamentally reduces the activation energy required for chemical reactions, making processes more energy and material efficient. This is crucial for decarbonization, where we aim to use less carbon-intensive processes. For instance, we have developed catalysts that enable the conversion of CO2 into useful products like methane, a natural gas used widely in energy production. This transformation not only utilizes CO2 as a raw material but also serves as a real-world example of how catalysis leads to sustainable product development.
How does the Institute collaborate with the industry on Jurong Island, and what are the mutual benefits of such partnerships?
Our collaboration with the industry primarily involves developing technologies and creating platforms that accelerate research and innovation. For example, our AI and automation platforms aid in speeding up catalyst development and optimization, which is crucial for efficient and scalable chemical processes. Companies benefit from accessing these advanced technologies, which enhance their competitive edge and profitability. On the other hand, the Institute gains through joint ownership of innovations and expanded opportunities for deploying these technologies at a larger scale for Singapore.
What role does the translational testbed play in scaling up these technologies, and how does it support the industry's and Singapore's sustainability goals?
The translational testbed is a critical component in scaling up technologies from the laboratory to commercial application. It allows us to demonstrate processes at a scale close to industrial conditions, facilitating the transition from concept to market. The testbed is designed to be modular and versatile, enabling multiple companies to utilize the same facility for different processes, thus optimizing land and resource use on Jurong Island. This collaborative approach not only advances our collective march towards a net zero goal but also supports the broader Sustainable Jurong Island strategy by enabling companies to achieve their sustainability objectives in alignment with national ambitions.
How does digital twinning and AI/ML support and accelerate decarbonization efforts?
Digital twinning allows us to optimize and plan processes before conducting physical tests on the testbed, integrating different companies from various parts of the value chain. This method is crucial for achieving decarbonization from multiple angles such as process control and adherence to standards. It provides a tailored outcome for each participant but aligns all towards the common goal of decarbonization.By building high-throughput capabilities and utilizing AI and machine learning, we can pre-process and analyze data to design and execute multiple parallel experiments efficiently.
This approach not only speeds up the experimentation cycle by five times compared to traditional methods but also allows us to explore new areas which are not easily achievable through conventional experimental approaches. This has led to recognition of our efforts at forums like the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards, demonstrating significant advancements in our sustainability initiatives.
Could you elaborate on the institute's approach to advanced recycling techniques like pyrolysis for managing plastic waste?
Our focus on pyrolysis involves using thermal catalysts to manage mixed and sometimes contaminated plastic wastes by converting them into valuable products like hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. This method is part of our broader waste management strategy, which also considers unique regional waste profiles like in Singapore, where domestic waste is predominantly incinerated. The resultant ash, combined with captured CO2, is then processed into construction materials, showcasing our comprehensive approach to utilizing waste as a resource.
How do you plan to help scale technologies that are being incubated in R&D institutions?
Our focus is on accelerating the development and scaling of technologies to bridge the 'Valley of Death' between innovation and commercial application.
We aim to scale a variety of technologies rapidly and work with multiple partners to maximize our impact. This includes transitioning technologies like CO2 to methanol and then swiftly moving to other areas like hydrogen generation.
We’re looking to collaborate broadly to enhance our chances of bringing decarbonization technologies to market effectively.
How does A*STAR integrate with Singapore’s startup ecosystem, especially in climate and clean tech?
We are actively engaging with the startup community, particularly those in the climate tech and cleantech sectors. These startups are essential for pioneering significant innovations in the chemical industry. We support them by providing infrastructure, such as hydrogen storage and analytical services, which allows them to focus on their core activities without the burden of managing peripheral challenges. This support extends to shared spaces and resources, enabling startups to accelerate their research and scale their technologies efficiently.
Could you provide examples of how biomanufacturing and synthetic biology will play a role in future innovations at A*STAR?
Looking ahead, biomanufacturing and synthetic biology are expected to become critical in processing new types of raw materials like biomass and CO2. These technologies allow for the creation of precise molecules under ambient conditions, which is a significant shift from traditional chemical processes. For instance, we have explored using enzymes to break down PET plastics, enhancing the efficiency and speed of these processes through AI. This integration of biology and chemistry opens up new possibilities for creating sustainable consumer products from natural raw materials.
