The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore has announced a significant funding initiative, pledging an additional S$90 million through the Productivity Solutions Grant to bolster the environmental services industry. This funding aims to facilitate the adoption of innovative technological solutions and advanced equipment by eligible companies.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Amy Khor, shared the announcement on June 19, stating that companies can begin applying for this funding in the fourth quarter of 2024. The financial support will remain available throughout the grant application period, which extends until March 31, 2027.

This new funding tranche builds on the success of a previous commitment of S$60 million, which supported approximately 2,000 applications from over 600 companies. NEA highlighted that the initial funding has been fully utilized, reflecting strong industry engagement. Technological solutions funded previously included floor scrubbers and escalator cleaners utilized at prominent venues like Marina Bay Sands.

According to NEA, the introduction of such equipment and solutions is expected to stimulate productivity improvements, enhance capabilities, and contribute to workforce skill development within the environmental services sector.

In addition to the funding initiative, NEA is actively exploring new technologies for waste management. The agency has issued a request for information to gauge industry interest and assess the commercial viability of alternative disposal technologies for treating mixed municipal solid waste. Currently, Singapore relies heavily on waste incineration to achieve a significant volume reduction of up to 90 percent.

Municipal solid waste collected from both public and general waste collectors is processed at Waste-to-Energy plants, which utilize mass burn technology to generate electricity that is subsequently fed into the national grid.

These initiatives were announced during this year’s CleanEnviro Summit Singapore, an event organized by NEA that serves as a platform for networking among policymakers, environmental professionals, and experts in the field. The agency’s commitment to advancing the environmental services industry through financial support and innovative technology underscores Singapore’s dedication to sustainability and efficient waste management practices.