Use of solar energy still limited due to higher cost: Lim Hng Kiang

Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia 12 Nov 07;

SINGAPORE: Although Singapore has taken steps to promote clean energy research, the use of solar energy is still limited, Minster for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang said Monday.

He added that the use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal, wind, solar and other combustible waste makes up only two percent of global electricity generated in 2004.
Mr Lim was responding to a question in Parliament from Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Dr Lam Pin Min. In view of the high oil prices, Dr Lam had asked if the government plans to tap on solar energy as an alternative.

Mr Lim said: "The main reason is cost. Current technologies for tapping solar energy are still not efficient. Solar-derived electricity is thus two to three times more expensive than our electricity tariffs for households.

"While cost will decline with the advent of better technology, fossil fuels such as oil and gas will still remain a dominant part of the global fuel mix in the medium term.

"Nonetheless, our energy strategy is to continue to diversify our energy sources and invest in research and development in clean energy, including solar energy." - CNA/ac