SOLAR ENERGY

Dr Toh See Kiat asked the Minister for Trade and Industry if Singapore will fund research into and/or acquire technology to exploit the abundant solar energy we have so as to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Harnessing solar energy for heating water, cooling (solar cooling) and solar-powered lighting are applications that have already been commercialised by the private sector and are in use in Singapore.

Large-scale commercial exploitation of solar energy in Singapore is, however, still limited because of basic factors like land requirement and high costs. A large surface area is required for the installation of solar panels. In land-scarce Singapore, it would not be practical to harness solar energy this way. The capital cost of solar panels is also high.

So far, the Government has not funded any private-sector projects on solar energy research. MINDEF, in a pilot trial for solar-powered lights, is using solar energy for streetlights in a Kranji military facility. Its pilot solar power project at Tuas Naval Base has shown the potential of incorporating solar panels into the design of a building.

The National Science and Technology Board (NSTB) has funded projects which aim to develop systems and devices for optimising the use of energy, for example, in "intelligent" buildings. Private sector companies which are keen to undertake research on renewable energy sources, including solar energy research, can apply to the NSTB for R&D funding.

The Government continues to encourage the use of energy-saving equipment. The Ministry of the Environment administers the accelerated depreciation allowance scheme for energy-efficient and energy-saving equipment and technology. Under this scheme, solar heating or cooling systems, and solar energy collection systems can qualify to be expensed off in one year.