Research centre aims for new waste-saving technologies

A first-of-its-kind research centre opening in Singapore aims to develop new technologies to recover valuable resources from waste.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)’s Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre (R3C) will develop home-grown technologies to increase resource recovery that could potentially result in savings of $70 million (Singapore) every year.

R3C will support local industries in the development of novel technologies in urban waste management for the local and regional markets.

The centre aims to be a world-class resource recovery and remediation research hub for Asia. It will focus on three research themes: waste to materials, waste to energy, and contaminated site remediation. R3C is currently working with waste management firms such as Keppel Seghers, SembCorp Industries and the National Environment Agency to develop sustainable urban waste management solutions for Singapore.

The newly launched R3C, along with the DHI-NTU Water & Environment Research Centre and Education Hub (DHI-NTU) and the Singapore Membrane Technology Centre (SMTC), will boost research efforts to sustain the Earth’s environment.

Part of the NEWRI ecosystem, the centres will collaborate with Singapore’s environmental agencies, overseas universities and industry partners on projects that address environmental and water issues, serving as a resource for Singapore’s environment and water industry.

DHI-NTU is a collaboration between DHI Singapore (representing the DHI Group from Denmark) and NTU. The centre focuses on urban and industrial environmental issues. To enhance Singapore’s research and manpower capabilities in the environment and water industry, DHI-NTU Education Hub provides specialist training and education on urban water management and water technology for engineers and scientists.

SMTC spearheads Singapore’s R&D efforts in applied membrane technology for the environment and water industry. The Centre is working with global firms such as Siemens Pte Ltd, Trojan Technologies and the PUB, to develop new, low-cost, and improved membranes for niche applications.

“The NEWRI ecosystem, involving academia, industry and government, is important to NTU’s research and development drive in sustainability,” said NTU President Su Guaning. “The three centres under NEWRI will provide a turbo boost to this drive.”

He added, “The multidisciplinary and complementary nature of NEWRI will enhance the competitive edge for Singapore’s position as a ‘global hydrohub,’ and serve to attract and provide talent for the environment and water industry.”

“We have identified the clean technology sector as a key growth opportunity for Singapore,” said Beh Swan Gin, managing director for the Economic Development Board. “We are pleased that NTU is expanding the scope and deepening the capabilities of NEWRI. This will help attract international companies to Singapore and strengthen our local companies. It will also increase the vibrancy of the fast-developing environment and water industry in Singapore.”