Abstract:

Singapore leverages on technology to advance as a modernised society. However, given its limited resources, Singapore has to overcome several challenges in the development of its infrastructure to accommodate its increasing population, which is vital in sustaining its economic development.  It is inevitable that the demand for energy will increase with more advanced infrastructure and growing economy.  Hence, energy security will remain a concern for the nation.

One of the key strategies to enhance energy security is through energy diversification, not only in terms of diversification of energy suppliers, but also diversification in its current energy mix.  Singapore can alleviate its energy security concerns with a more balanced energy mix that includes alternative resources to generate electricity. Coupled with the global challenges of limiting national carbon emissions, one of the more attractive options for Singapore is to turn to solar energy. With Singapore receiving sunlight throughout the year as well as the declining prices of solar panels, this form of ‘free’ and renewable energy has been widely advocated as a viable source to meet the country’s electricity demand, both from the perspectives of energy security as well as climate change mitigation.

This seminar will discuss the benefits and challenges associated with solar energy and some of the limitations it could impose on the nation’s development.  It hopes to explore other viable clean energy sources that can also possibly enhance the overall security of energy supply.

About the Speaker

Dr Alvin Chew is an Adjunct Fellow at RSIS, whereby he was a faculty member of the school from 2007 to 2009.  He was a Visiting Fellow at the Gulf Research Centre in 2010.  He continues to research in the field of energy security, with a focus on nuclear energy. Trained in both disciplines of engineering and the social sciences, he is interested in the interface between technology development and policy issues.