On 13 Nov 2019, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat announced the launch of the Singapore Battery Consortium at SWITCH 2019. The new consortium will help companies access research in battery materials, management systems and battery end-of-life recycling for translation into novel products that significantly improve the use and performance of batteries – especially in increasingly complex mobility and portability devices.

The consortium brings together industry, the institutes of higher learning and public sector to leverage deep battery research capabilities in Singapore. The founding industry members are LiRON, Durapower, Orient Tech and Genplus, local companies in battery materials production, battery cell manufacturing, and battery pack design and production.

Prof Alfred Huan, Executive Director of A*STAR's IMRE and Urban and Green Technologies Office (UGTO), said, "Public and industry sectors alike are exploring technology innovations in low-carbon energy sources, as part of our efforts toward sustainable growth. This is one of the factors driving demand for longer-lasting, safer and high-performing battery technology. The Singapore Battery Consortium offers a collaborative platform for industry to tap on public research capabilities and technologies to accelerate battery innovation, and we welcome more industry partners to join us."

Mr Yang Junrong, Manager, Orient Technology (S) Pte Ltd, said: "As a leading provider for energy storage solutions, we need to focus on innovative, efficient solutions that can deliver consistently on customers' requirements. We are excited to be part of the Singapore Battery Consortium which is structured to advance technologies in the field, and which we can enhance by contributing our insights and expertise."

Mr Kelvin Lim, Group CEO, Durapower Holdings Pte Ltd, said: "Being an active member of initiatives like the Singapore Battery Consortium is vital for us to continue our efforts in developing a local battery ecosystem and creating ‘Made in Singapore' products. It is also another step forward for us to continue innovating clean and reliable energy sources that will power Singapore."

The Singapore Battery Consortium will be led by Dr Gregory Goh from A*STAR, who will chart the directions of the consortium and supervise its operations. He will be supported by a Technical Committee which will comprise experts from Institutes of Higher Learning and A*STAR research institutes. The consortium will be hosted at A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and is supported by the National Research Foundation.

Refer to full NRF press release here : New national battery consortium to advance collaboration between researchers and companies