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  Straits Times 10 Feb 07
Let's tap the wind for our energy needs
Letter Tan Kok Tim

In a few more days, the strong cool wind from the north will change direction. The heat will return with the haze too.

Around this time every year, we have strong winds for two months. We should plan ahead to tap the wind next January and use it to supplement oil and gas in generating our electricity.

Although NEA has repeatedly told us that wind power is not feasible for generating electricity all year round, we must not ignore the fact that a 17 per cent saving in cost per year is not negligible.

I would like to suggest that the Government give tax rebates to encourage owners of tall buildings exceeding 50 storeys to place a maximum 6m high wind structure on their roof top to generate and supplement their electricity.

The Government should also look into and allow the construction of wind structures on top of Bukit Timah Hill for the same purpose.

Singapore Polytechnic has an experimental red structure on its roof. They should share their expertise and experiences with the building owners and help them design the structures for optimum efficiency.

NEA must not block but encourage owners to generate electricity to supplement what they draw from the power stations.

NEA and the power stations must remember that even if we save only 1 per cent versus the one-off costs, we must not forget that it is not just the money but our social responsibility in supporting the Kyoto Pact in combating global warming.
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