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Solar energy production the right step ahead, but be mindful of resources

It is good to see that the Government is taking steps to harness and produce cleaner energy, as mentioned in the report, “Slew of measures to support uptake of solar energy announced at SIEW” (Oct 23).

Solar panels on the top of JTC's Jurong Town Hall building which serve as the test bed for the first in Singapore solar leasing model. TODAY file photo

Solar panels on the top of JTC's Jurong Town Hall building which serve as the test bed for the first in Singapore solar leasing model. TODAY file photo

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Teo Kah Yong

It is good to see that the Government is taking steps to harness and produce cleaner energy, as mentioned in the report, “Slew of measures to support uptake of solar energy announced at SIEW” (Oct 23).

It is certainly an effective way to reduce the reliance on energy sources that can cause pollution and, at the same time, create jobs since expertise is required in this field.

However, there are a couple of things to consider lest such an effort becomes counterproductive.

First, the use of lithium-ion batteries is a perquisite for solar energy production. Lithium is a rare metal that is required for the storage of solar energy. The use of such a rare resource could result in its depletion in the long run.

Perhaps, there could be alternatives to how microgrids can be manufactured, to prevent this from happening.

Second, although the costs of solar panels have been decreasing, microgrids are still exorbitant to manufacture. As reported, CW Group and Red Dot Power will receive about S$17.8 million in grants to build the first utility-scale energy storage systems in Singapore.

If these concerns are well-managed thoughtfully by the Government and the companies involved in such projects, solar energy should be one of the go-to options for a reliable and efficient energy source, backed by our tropical climate.

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