Use of solar energy still limited due to higher cost

Although Singapore has taken steps to promote clean energy research, the use of solar energy is still limited. 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.

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, singapore energy strategy is to continue to diversify energy sources and invest in research and development in clean energy.