The transition-leading REIDS-SPORE demonstrator recognised as the Asian R&D Project of the Year

Singapore has accumulated return on experiences and critical learnings, making it a centre of expertise, a provider of low-carbon solutions and a forum for businesses, academic institutions, and professionals to gain the necessary knowledge to accelerate the transition.

ENGIE Lab Singapore was awarded the R&D Project of the Year for its REIDS-SPORE (Renewable Energy Integration Demonstration Singapore – Sustainable Power for Off-grid Regions) microgrid. The REIDS-SPORE microgrid is a unique research and development (R&D) energy demonstrator on Semakau Landfill off the Southern shores of Singapore mainland and the largest multifluid microgrid pilot in Southeast Asia.

REIDS-SPORE was originally conceived to develop, derisk and demonstrate sustainable and affordable solutions for remote and underserved communities. Assuredly, numerous regions, specifically in Asia-Pacific, are still facing unreliable grids coupled with exorbitant connection kW Wind Turbine, a 50 kW Hydrogen Power-toPower System with 2 MWh of hydrogen storage, a Hydrogen Refuelling Station, a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, a 300 kVA Load Emulator, a 200 kW/600 kWh Battery Energy Storage System and 200 kVA of Diesel Generators. All these technologies together are tied in a multi-layered control, monitoring and optimisation system based on ENGIE’s proprietary Energy Management software. ENGIE Lab Singapore is now combining these innovative technologies to develop modular microgrids and hybrid solutions that address the pressing concerns of sustainability, energy access, and affordability. These solutions not only offer enhanced control and coordination instruments costs today. To overcome these challenges, the traditional solution consists of localised electricity generation using highly polluting diesel generators. Without shifting quickly from fossil fuels to renewables, Asia-Pacific and its remote and underserved communities will be increasingly vulnerable and exposed to climate risk with progressively serious, centuries-long and, in some cases, irreversible consequences. Helping them maintain economic opportunities and keep a place on the global stage is the credo pursued by ENGIE Lab Singapore. Through the pursuit of innovative R&D breakthroughs and with the support of the ENGIE research network, ENGIE Lab Singapore can continuously improve the solutions embedded in the REIDS-SPORE demonstrator at the most qualitative level of execution.

“Not only a relevant research project for the energy transition, but the REIDS-SPORE demonstrator also hosts an empowering vision of the energy industry’s future. And it appears this vision is even more important with the ongoing war in Ukraine. The readily deployable solutions we develop in Singapore can be rapidly leveraged by corporates, public authorities and communities looking to reduce dependencies on fossil fuel supplies exposed to supply chain disruptions and energy price volatility. But also, the technologies we develop can increase energy security and reliability while minimising greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Adopting those technologies will thus reduce recurrent expenses and improve population well-being” explained Loic Villocel, Managing Director of ENGIE Lab Singapore.

Operating and maintaining the REIDS-SPORE demonstrator undoubtedly proves ENGIE’s commitment to accelerating clean energy innovation cycles, pushing commercial testbeds and developing relevant, affordable, and adapted solutions for regions in need. In this context, the recently rewarded REIDS-SPORE microgrid acts as a leading and exemplary R&D facility to accelerate the energy transition globally.

The REID-SPORE Microgrid Technology

Today, the REIDS-SPORE demonstrator consists of a smart multifluid microgrid that generates, stores, and uses green hydrogen and renewable electricity under harsh conditions. It currently hosts the following technologies: 200 kWp of Solar PV Panels, a 100 but also provide viable and innovative options for players facing these challenges.

Due to this unique complexity, the REIDS-SPORE’s mandate has recently expanded to include the development of integrated energy solutions for urban settings, both to meet today’s challenges and favour a sustainable vision for the future energy grid.

After almost five years of engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, the REIDS-SPORE platform is fully operational 24/7. It is ready to support regions in need, demonstrate ENGIE’s technical know-how, and testbed new and promising solutions for both urban and remote applications. From conception, planning, and design to procurement, construction, and commissioning, many lessons were learnt and shared with players visiting the demonstrator.

ENGIE’s Commitment to Clean Energy Innovation

By continuously improving the demonstrator, ENGIE Lab Singapore is actively illustrating how it can help players deliver cost-competitively their sustainability projects. Over the years, ENGIE Lab