Singapore sets aside $92 million for research into bio-based chemicals
In Singapore, Business Times reported that some $92 million in public funding has been set aside for research into producing chemicals from biological materials – the single largest such commitment to date.
This latest funding initiative will address industry challenges in Singapore’s energy and chemicals sector, which makes up one-fifth of domestic manufacturing output, according to the report.
Minister for Education Desmond Lee, who announced the new initiative, said that it would support research by institutes of higher learning and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), by “bringing our strengths closer to industry needs and wider application”.
The new Bioeconomy Funding Initiative aims to meet growing industry interest in chemicals made from biological alternatives to petroleum-based feedstocks, such as yeast or oil palm.
Based on consultations with companies and investors, the initial research will target turning by-products, or “sidestreams”, into usable materials; developing new microbe and enzyme-based production methods; and improving efficiency in processing and production, the report added.
Category: Fuels
