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Environmental Technology Centre (ENVTC)

Republic Polytechnic’s Environmental Technology Centre (ENVTC) undertakes applied research and development in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable products, waste and water management, environmental conservation and aquaculture.

Research focuses on:

  • Technology development for waste and water management

  • Conversion of waste to energy and value-added resource

  • Conservation and biodiversity studies

  • Marine science and aquaculture

  • Composting and mycology


Students have access to the following resources within the Centre:

  • Water Technology Laboratory equipped with instruments for water quality analysis

  • Renewable Energy Laboratory for bioenergy production and analysis

  • Aquaculture Centre with controlled environment indoor and outdoor facilities

  • RP-JCU joint lab for study of coastal marine ecology

  • Greenhouse for urban farming and hydroponic system

Industry Project Highlights

  • ENVTC has worked with James Cook University (Singapore) to study Biology and Movement Patterns of near Threatened Bamboo Sharks in Singapore through a joint-lab collaboration model, funded by a conservation grant from Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund (WRSCF). The findings from this work will reveal the conservation status in Singapore and internationally of the bamboo shark through tagging of sharks and understanding their movement patterns.

  • As part of SPRING Singapore’s Technology Innovation Programme Expert Secondment Scheme (TIP-ESS), a member of staff from the ENVTC team has spent one year transferring knowledge and skills to a local SME through the setting up of a pilot R&D facility to develop new strains of edible mushrooms. Expertise in mycology, practical engineering skills and an understanding of commercial drivers were all critical factors in the success of this project.

  • Funded by the National Environment Agency’s Environment Technology Research Programme (NEA-ETRP), ENVTC is currently engaged in a project - Chemical Stabilisation of Incineration Ash (IA) Using Novel Colloidal Mesoporous Silica - Applications in Polymer Matrix Composites – which seeks an innovative and costeffective solution for upcycling incineration ash from municipal solid waste into environmentally safe and value-added composites. This has applications in a wide range of industries including electronics, packaging and construction.

  • ENVTC has signed a license agreement with a biofuels production company for Transformation of Waste Grease into Renewable Energy technology to separate a wide range of waste grease into free fatty acids and other oil components. This can either be used as raw materials or converted to liquid fuel for combustion engines (biodiesel). Both parties have agreed to work towards improving and validating the process as well as to manufacture trial batches of biodiesel for use, distribution or trial sales.

Collaborative Projects

Ex-Situ Conservation of Mangrove Horseshoe Crab, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda

Project 1:

ENVTC is engaged in the study of Population Ecology, Breeding and Conservation of Mangrove Horseshoe Crabs, Carcinoscorpius Rotundicauda, in Singapore, funded by a conservation grant from the Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund (WRSCF). The project aims to collect sufficient data so that the breeding and spawning grounds of the mangrove horseshoe crabs can be sanctioned as a nature reserve or sanctuary for these arthropods. Published reports from this study will create awareness of the conservation status of the horseshoe crabs.

New Enhanced Capsule Catalysts for Converting Synthetic Gas (Syngas) from Biomass to Liquid Fuels

Project 2:

ENVTC is engaged in a study to develop New Enhanced Capsule Catalysts for Converting Synthetic Gas (Syngas) from Biomass to Liquid Fuels. These catalysts, which convert syngas (generated from heating waste biomass) to liquid biofuels, have been developed. They enable the gas-to-liquid conversion to be carried out in a single stage, greatly simplifying the process and increasing overall efficiency. The study is supported by funding from the National Environment Agency’s Environment Technology Research Programme (NEA ETRP).

Project 3 Development of Encapsulation Technology for Feeding and Growth of Fish Larvae

Project 3:

In partnership with National University of Singapore, ENVTC is embarking on the Development of Encapsulation Technology for Feeding and Growth of Fish Larvae, which is funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) - Translational R&D and Innovation Fund. The project aims to develop an encapsulation technology for targeted delivery of proteins and lipids into digestion systems of marine fish larvae.

Interested in working with us? 

If you are keen to explore opportunities in developing renewable energy, sustainable built environment materials, waste and water management with us, please contact us.