Saturday, March 8, 2008
Solar energy- the powerful alternative for Singapore!
KEY ISSUE DISCUSSED IN THE ARTICLE:
The expected development of Solar Energy as a form of renewable energy in Singapore (and globally) may lower the costs of harnessing solar power with the advancement in technology and skill.
KEY IDEAS/CONCEPTS ILLUSTRATED IN THE ARTICLE:
1. The Research Enterprise Innovation Council has identified solar energy as the main focus of Singapore's push for renewable energy.
2. Solar Energy is expected to become one of the key pillars of Singapore's future economy.
3. Singapore has the ability to go into the research and development, host global solar companies in our country, and tap into the global market. Its strength- Singapore's expertise in water fabrication and chemical and materials engineering is bound to attract major solar companies such as ECN and Deutsche Solar into our local market, despite the lack of manpower and skilled personnel.
4. The cost of harnessing solar energy is decreasing steadily, indicating that as technology advances, the costs of using solar energy will lower gradually. This makes solar energy much more attractive than burning fossil fuels because of its increasing cost.
5. Test-bedding schemes and revised regulations regarding solar energy production in homes will be introduced in an attempt for Singapore to gain a foothold in the solar power market.
WHAT WE FEEL:
The fact that Singapore is focusing much on solar energy as a form of “clean” energy once again emphasizes the importance of it in our lives. Gone are the days when we can rely on fossil fuels to produce electricity because fossil fuels are afterall, non-renewable sources! One day, eventually, we will ultimately run OUT of them. This stresses the importance of searching for other sources of electricity that are renewable, and the four stated in the article are solar, wind, hydro and nuclear energy. Singapore is doing its part, now do YOURS!
Here we end off with a quote, "Sun power is a pure gain to humanity, It subtracts nothing, the world will not be in the last impoverished tomorrow by the fullest use of visible solar heat today."
-Evelyn.
the sun left its mark!