Water Conservation Technology Gets S$12 Million Boost as PUB Targets Wafer Fabrication and Data Centres

Singapore's national water agency PUB will channel S$12 million to develop water conservation technology for wafer fabrication and data centres, two of the country's most water-intensive industries.

Water conservation technology in Singapore is getting a S$12 million boost. The national water agency PUB will channel the funding to develop water-saving solutions for wafer fabrication and data centres, announced Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong at Singapore International Water Week.

The two sectors are critical to Singapore's economy and among the most water-intensive. For wafer fabrication, the goal is cost-effective treatment and recycling solutions. For data centres, Singapore aims to enhance water efficiency without compromising energy efficiency.

Water conservation technology has become increasingly urgent as data centres and semiconductor manufacturing expand rapidly in Singapore. Recent announcements by Micron Technology and Applied Materials to expand their presence have heightened the need for sustainable water management.

PUB will work with multiple stakeholders including universities, research institutes, trade associations, technology providers, and industry end-users to develop and validate water conservation technology. Two Memorandums of Understanding will be signed to form Industrial Water Solutions Innovation Ecosystem Alliances for both sectors.

For wafer fabrication, PUB will partner with the Separation Technologies Applied Research and Translation centre, Singapore Water Association, and the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association. For data centres, the alliance will involve the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed, Singapore Water Association, and SGTech.

Promising water conservation technology with real-world deployment potential will undergo testing at research facilities and adopter sites. Successful projects will be consolidated into a portfolio of water recycling and cooling technologies for local deployment and commercialisation.

The S$12 million forms part of nearly S$97 million in total funding PUB will receive under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 urban solutions and sustainability domain. The remaining S$85 million will develop innovative municipal water solutions.

"Our aim is not only to meet Singapore's own needs," said DPM Gan. "We also want to develop solutions that can be applied in cities and industries around the world."

As PUB channels S$12 million to develop water conservation technology for wafer fabrication and data centres, The Silicon Review examines how Singapore is positioning itself as a global leader in industrial water sustainability.

FAQ:

Q: What is the S$12 million PUB funding for?
A: PUB is funding water conservation technology development for wafer fabrication and data centres, two of Singapore's most water-intensive industries.

Q: Why are data centres a focus for water conservation technology?
A: Data centres use vast amounts of water for cooling, and AI adoption is expected to significantly increase their water demand.

Q: What is the goal for wafer fabrication water conservation?
A: The goal is to develop cost-effective treatment and recycling solutions for wafer fabrication plants.

Q: Who will PUB partner with on water conservation technology?
A: PUB will partner with universities, research institutes, trade associations, technology providers, and industry end-users.

Q: Is the S$12 million part of a larger funding package?
A: Yes, it is part of nearly S$97 million in total PUB funding under the RIE 2030 urban solutions and sustainability domain.