The Low Carbon Technology Translational Testbed (LCT³)

Key Facts and Figures

• SG$62M government investment to establish LCT³
• 12,610 m^² total space with 840 m² outdoor piloting area
• Feed gas supply: ~100 kg/day
• 24/7 operation under industry-relevant conditions
• Utilities: 1 MW power, cooling water, compressed air, nitrogen
• Safe handling of flammable, hazardous, and non-flammable materials
  (eg CH₄, NH₃, H₂, CO₂)
• Waste gas abatement and chemical waste storage

Proposed Facility Layout

Carbon Utilisation

Hydrogen Carriers

ISCE² and IHI launched a demonstration unit to showcase a specially developed catalyst for the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen to methane on Jurong Island in 2019. The demonstration unit, based on an ISCE² designed nickel catalyst enables increased yields, cuts waste and reduces energy needs. The catalytic system keeps particles from being poisoned by sulfur in CO₂ streams, and can operate for twice as long to benchmark catalysts, performing for at least 3000 hours without any deactivation.

In collaboration with ISCE², IHI have established a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production test rig for CO₂ direct-conversion to liquid hydrocarbons. The reactor unit, which can produce 5 kg per day of SAF streamlines the production by enabling single step carbon dioxide direct-conversion to liquid hydrocarbons. This approach simplifies the production process, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational complexity. The test rig was opened on January 15, 2025.

In the study, ISCE² has successfully demonstrated a patented process to use industrial by-products like Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) and Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), and combining them with captured CO₂ to make solid carbonates with the final product named as alternative sand for potential construction applications. The performance of the materials for different applications is being assessed in collaboration with industry partners and Singapore's Building and Construction Authority.

ISCE² aims to design a more efficient catalyst and reactor system for ammonia cracking to produce hydrogen. Ammonia cracking faces challenges such as high energy input and costly catalyst materials. This project addresses these issues by:

• Developing a 3D-printed self-catalytic reactor (SCR) that integrates ammonia cracking and combustion, allowing for better heat utilization and energy efficiency.
• Developing novel catalysts based on non-precious metals that can achieve efficient ammonia cracking with lower cost and higher durability.
• Using computational tools to guide catalyst design, optimization, and additive manufacturing, as well as to model and optimize the ammonia cracking and combustion processes.

Our researchers collaborate with industry and academic partners from across Singapore’s low carbon technology ecosystem. Here we work on developing real solutions that would help lower carbon emissions, contribute to resource efficiency, and help build a more sustainable future. Read more about some of these activities on our ISCE² website.

Technology Translation

• Partner ecosystem research performers to scale up technologies from R&D projects.
• Establish proof-of-value through piloting in the LCT³ facility to demonstrate that the technology is scalable.
• Attract partners and investors for technology transfer and licensing.

The Technology Translation pathway is designed for companies and research organisations seeking to develop new low carbon technologies. In this pathway, partnerships starts at a lower TRL and moves technology from proof of concept at lab scale, through proof of value, and graduation to LCT³ where the crucial first piloting data is obtained making use of LCT³ assets.

Technology Testbedding

• Partner with us to set up pilot plants to testbed/optimise co-developed/company-developed technology using LCT³ modules.

The Technology Testbedding pathway is designed for those companies who have specific technology needs, strong internal capabilities in process development, and are seeking to partner to demonstrate technologies, or make business decisions to invest in third party technologies.

Chair
Professor Lim Keng Hui
Assistant Chief Executive
Science & Engineering Research Council
A*STAR

Co-Chair
Professor Reginald Tan
Executive Director ISCE²
A*STAR

Internal Member
Mr Lim Li-Wei
Executive Director
Innovation & Enterprise
A*STAR

Internal Member
Mr Desmond Chua
Director
Low Carbon Energy Research Co-ordinating Office
A*STAR

Internal Member
Mr Desmond Tan
Director
Space, Infrastructure & Administration
A*STAR

Enquiries

If you have any enquiries on LCT³ or if you would like to explore collaborations and partnerships, please drop us a note here.

Future Location

LCT³ will be situated at Pesek on Singapore's Jurong Island, home to the chemicals and energy sector in Singapore. Sited immediately behind A*STAR's Institute for Sustainability for Energy Chemicals and Environment (ISCE²), LCT³ will leverage on synergistic competencies and expertise (e.g. advanced material characterisation, process analytical techniques, high pressure catalyst laboratory).