The project kick-off and implementation plan review meeting for the 2024 National Key R&D Program titled "Development and Demonstration of a Novel Floating Hybrid Tidal-Wave Energy System" was held at Shanghai Jiao Tong University on December 17, 2024. This intergovernmental science and technology innovation cooperation project is jointly led by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and National University of Singapore.

The review committee was composed of seven experts in their respective fields:

· Professor Li Wei, from Zhejiang University

· Professor Wu Bijun, from Guangzhou Institute of Energy Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences

· Chief Engineer Wang Xiaohe, from Marine Engineering Department of Huadian Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.

· Director Qin Ming, from New Energy Center at Science and Technology Research Institute of China Three Gorges Corporation

· Deputy Director Cui Lin, from Yangtze River Delta Shipbuilding and Offshore Equipment Technology Innovation Center

· Professor He Guanghua, from Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai)

· Professor Wang Tianzhen, from Shanghai Maritime University

Among the attendees were Director Bi Cong from Aerospace and Marine Division of Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Director Zhao Quan from Science and Technology Cooperation Division, Deputy Director Sheng Xinjun from Institute of Science and Technology Development at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dean Fu Shixiao of School of Ocean and Civil Engineering, and key members of the project team. In total, over 40 participants attended the meeting. Professor Gao Zhen, the project leader and Vice Dean of School of Ocean and Civil Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, chaired the meeting.

On behalf of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sheng Xinjun delivered a speech  extending a warm welcome to the attendees and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the long-standing support and assistance from all parties toward the university's scientific research collaborations. He emphasized that this project is a flagship project of science and technology innovation and cooperation of significant importance between China and Singapore. Shanghai Jiao Tong University is committed to fully supporting and actively cooperating with the project management organization, diligently fulfilling its responsibilities as the leading institution, and ensuring a high quality and on schedule completion of the project.

Zhao Quan further emphasized that this project is not only an important milestone in deepening the cooperation between the two countries in the field of science and technology, but also plays a crucial role in advancing regional scientific progress and building an innovative ecosystem. Additionally, it holds great significance for Shanghai’s efforts to establish itself as a globally influential science and technology innovation center. Bi Cong stated that with the joint efforts of both China and Singapore, this flagship project is bound to achieve remarkable results, injecting new momentum into the scientific progress and economic development of both countries. The Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission will continue to pay close attention to the project and provide full support to ensure its smooth progress at all stages.

Professor Gao Zhen, the project leader, delivered a comprehensive report on the overall status of the project, detailing the research background, objectives, technical roadmap, task breakdown, international collaboration plans, and relevant support measures. Liang Hui from Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS) presented the progress of the work on the Singapore side. Task leaders, including Zhu Wanqiang from Northeast Normal University, Yuan Jing from Tsinghua University, Wan Ling from Ningbo University, Gao Zhen from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Liu Hao from State Power Investment Corporation, gave detailed reports and explanation on the specific objectives, technical pathways, implementation plans, and progress schedules for individual tasks, respectively.

After in-depth deliberation and discussion, the expert committee unanimously agreed that the project’s implementation plan is detailed, logically structured, and clearly defined, with strong scientific merit and operational feasibility. The project successfully passed the review. The experts engaged in thorough discussions and raised inquiries, focusing on the rationality of the project’s technical roadmap, the feasibility of collaborative efforts, the scientific validity of the project schedule, and the practical value of the expected outcomes. Targeted optimization suggestions were provided. The project team expressed their commitment to carefully considering the experts' feedback, further refining the implementation plan, and ensuring the smooth progress of the research to achieve the anticipated goals.

The project, anchored at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, brings together twelve research institutions and design and manufacturing units, including Northeast Normal University, Tsinghua University, Ningbo University, Dalian University of Technology, State Power Investment Corporation's Science and Technology Research Institute, Hangzhou Jianghe Hydro-Electric Science & Technology Co., Ltd., China Merchants Marine Equipment Research Institute Co., Ltd., Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CRRC Yongji Electric Co., Ltd. in China, and National University of Singapore (NUS), Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS) in Singapore. The project aims to develop and validate a megawatt-level combined tidal and wave energy power generation device through technical approaches such as conceptual design, numerical simulation, tank testing, and prototype sea trials. This will provide an important scientific research foundation and technical equipment support for the development of large-capacity offshore floating renewable energy generation systems and the large-scale utilization of marine energy resources. The project holds significant importance in promoting flagship cooperation between China and Singapore in the field of marine renewable energy, fostering bilateral collaboration in clean energy industries, and supporting the development of resource-saving and environmentally friendly societies.

Looking ahead, the project team is committed to closely adhering to the implementation plan and proceeding with the project development work in an orderly manner, adhering to the established timelines and technical roadmap. At the same time, the team will continue to strengthen and deepen communication and collaboration with domestic and international partners, aiming to achieve substantial high-level results in key technologies, equipment development, and demonstration applications. These efforts will contribute positively to advancing clean energy cooperation and utilization between China and Singapore, as well as globally.