The joint venture between VDE Institute and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems aims to meet the needs of solar manufacturers within the region.

 

In 2007, Singapore identified the Clean Energy sector as a strategic growth area for the country's economy. Building on this, the Republic welcomes the joint venture between VDE Institute and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) - VDE-Fraunhofer ISE Pte. Ltd. - to its shores on 2 October this year.

VDE Institute is a national and international accredited, independent institution which tests and certifies electrical appliances, components and systems, while Fraunhofer ISE is one of the world's leading research institutes in solar energy technologies. The S$800,000 (US$547,680) joint venture between these two established European institutes - a first in the region for both companies - is a strong endorsement of the nation's efforts at developing its solar energy industry.

Providing Niche Expertise

VDE-Fraunhofer ISE is the first Southeast Asian hub for solar photovoltaic (the harnessing of sunlight into electricity) testing and certification, which marks a new milestone for the local solar industry, as well as in the region. The new entity will provide support and service to the photovoltaic sector. In particular, its expertise is in making sure that any product or service introduced by local or Asia-based foreign manufacturers is compatible with international market standards. Being close to an increasing number of manufacturers, VDE-Fraunhofer ISE will be able to act quickly to meet the needs of its clients.

With the global solar industry growing rapidly, there is also a need to maintain the quality of new solar products and technologies introduced into the mix. Manohar Khiatani, Assistant Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) says, "Setting suitable performance and safety standards for the industry will not only improve product quality but will also help reduce costs." Furthermore, with the severe shortage of quality testing and certification for new solar modules, the launch of VDE-Fraunhofer ISE could not have come at a better time.

"We will make every effort to support the industry with consulting and by testing and certifying Asian-made technologies for the world markets," says Wilfried Jäger, Chairman of the Board of Directors, VDE Testing and Certification Institute.

The joint venture will work closely with the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), which was established in April this year. SERIS is the national laboratory for solar energy research, and conducts industry-oriented research and technology development. It also tests the viability of commercial photovoltaic modules - including the measurement of large, thin-film modules.

"This tripartite partnership amongst VDE, Fraunhofer ISE and SERIS bears testimony to Singapore's unique strengths - the ease of doing business, international outlook, our skilled workforce as well as our strong commitment to growing a world-class, comprehensive clean energy industry," says Khiatani.

"Singapore is the ideal hub for the region's solar industry, and Asia itself is on the way to becoming the hub of the global economy." - Wilfried Jäger, Chairman of the Board of Directors, VDE Testing and Certification Institute

Local Solar Industry Heats Up

VDE-Fraunhofer ISE is the latest addition to an already vibrant Clean Energy sector. The Clean Energy Programme Office (CEPO), which was set up last year to implement and coordinate the various research and test-bedding public programmes, has worked hard to bring in exciting investments from notable establishments. Companies such as Renewable Energy Corporation, Oerlikon Solar and Norsun have already set up shop in the city-state. EDB expects the Clean Energy industry to contribute S$1.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) to the GDP and create 7,000 jobs in manufacturing, training and R&D by 2015.

"Asia is the place to be as much of the future is taking shape here. So we are here ready to serve the solar industry throughout the region with our large common pool of expertise," says Dr Hans-Martin Henning, Head of Department, Fraunhofer ISE.

Singapore is slowly, but surely, building up a robust solar industry, with VDE-Fraunhofer ISE and the other investments sharpening the focus on the Republic as the region's solar hub. The nation's bright future is nicely summed up by Jäger: "Singapore is the ideal hub for the region's solar industry, and Asia itself is on the way to becoming the hub of the global economy."