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Times Forum Online 12 Sep 05 Urgent need for S'pore to develop alternative energy resources Letter from Raymond Tham Kon Weng Adelaide, Australia As a Singaporean doing postgraduate studies in biofuels and green energy source research in Australia, may I offer another viewpoint on the issue with the rise in fuel prices. We have seen proponents arguing for the environmental virtues of green energy sources and benefits for the individual. The more cautious ones remind us of the high costs involved for a nation still adjusting to new competition in the world economy (ST Sept 8). Singapore will never be isolated from the fierce and dynamic economic competition in a global community. If it were, it would be the financial ruin of our nation. The past 10 years have shown us that economic-boom seasons are increasingly short-lived and our neighbours are increasingly able to compete in many of our once-dominant areas such as shipping, air travel, and IT industries. What we may not realise is that our fuel refining and electricity industries that drive Singapore's electronics and financial sectors may not enjoy their heyday for much longer. This is because of volatile politics and weather wrecking havoc in many fuel-producing countries, not to mention the finite crude reserves. There is a need to find alternatives because of the high dependence of our economy on energy sources. A conversion to green fuels and greater energy efficiency cannot happen overnight due to the high costs and complexity. Singapore must therefore start investing now in research and infrastructure to ensure energy security. We must do so while our economy is performing comfortably, not when it faces the squeeze with fuel woes adding to the trouble. Yes it will be costly and the benefits may not be immediately visible, but to put it off is short-sightedness. Raymond Tham Kon Weng Adelaide, Australia links Related articles on Singapore: green energy renewable energy, energy saving: issues, efforts, discussions |
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