Taskforce set up to coordinate energy efficiency efforts

Finally, a new funding scheme managed by the Energy Efficiency Programme Office, will be set up to promote projects that are energy efficient. In an attepmt to coordinate efforts between the five biggest energy-consuming sectors, (power generation, industries, transport, buildings and households) The new Energy Efficiency Programme Office will promote the use of efficient technologies, develop energy management skills, and build up research and development capabilities.

I feel that it is about time that the government has taken the initiative to educate us Singaporeans about the importance of the conservation of energy in this modern and energy-hungry era. When Singapore is already so small, we must continually strive to achieve greater heights in whatever we do. While it seems impossible to catch up with Japan in terms of their advanced technology, (GSM is obsolete there, 3G is the new trend!) if we apporach this case relatively, we may say that in the 40 odd years we have had a say in our progress, we have blazed our way up in the past few years.

Also, Singapore’s increasing percentage of literate population, especially when the younger generation enter adulthood, campaigns to save energy will make more sense to the citizens, allowing for greater understanding. Thus, we will be able to be more energy efficient nationwide.

However, in the short term, Singapore’s objectives are very economy orientated, as Lee Yuen Hee, CEO of NEA, said: “We are working very closely with the Economic Development Board so that when they attract investments into Singapore, we can work with them at the initial part when they are designing the plant of the factory to incorporate energy efficiency features.” The main concern here is to cut economic cost and increase economic growth. Well, anything for the progress of our nation is okay with me i guess.

Personally, I agree with Dr Yaacob. “Innovative technologies that are already available can bring about significant energy savings with no loss of utility, convenience or function.” Indeed, it is important to achieve an optimal balance, excelling in both areas of cost savings, and revenue earnings. Hopefully, ten years down the road will have us Singaporeans mostly using hybrid or electric cars, and we move as a nation, toward a cleaner, greener, and more energy efficient country.