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SINGAPORE: Singapore needs to move quickly on the clean energy front, says the International Advisory Panel (IAP) following an evaluation of the sector here.
Overall, the panel says, Singapore is on track to developing a robust clean energy ecosystem. But it would like to see more building regulations to incorporate clean energy.
The IAP says that it is key for Singapore to drive research and development in order to keep ahead and tap into the growing demand for clean energy.
Singapore has already taken some key steps in clean energy. For instance, Singapore is constructing its first zero-energy building to promote green technology.
In addition, Singapore will be hosting Renewable Energy Corporation's integrated solar manufacturing complex.
But according to the clean energy IAP, Singapore can push further ahead from the pack.
Ronald Oxburgh, former chairman of Science and Technology at UK House of Lords, said: "Singapore has got an immense resource in its people who are technologically very well trained, very ingenious and very innovative and entrepreneurial. I think it is a matter of Singapore spotting the opportunities. I think this is clearly an opportunity that Singapore should spot and get first mover advantage.
"There is little doubt that people all around the world will be seeing this business opportunity but I doubt that any country has actually got the agility and the technical expertise to move as fast and as appropriately as Singapore."
One idea is to develop a clean technology park. Plans for such a park, which would act as a working/living/production lab, are still in the early stages.
The international advisory panel says Singapore needs to move fast to build its strengths, skill and talent to tap into the huge knowledge-base capital in the renewable energy sector.
Nicholas Parker, co-founder & chairman of Clean Tech Group, said: "Renewable energies are part of the bigger clean tech stories that are playing out and we could see Singapore taking 2% of the global jobs....and if about a million and a half jobs are being created over the next few years, that's a very significant employment number. You're talking about thousands of jobs at stake, but there is the other side of the coin, which is if you don't act...the jobs are going to go and (with it) the loss of competitiveness in the industry."
The IAP was formed to advise the Clean Energy Programme Office (CEPO) on overall development of the clean energy industry in Singapore. - CNA/ir
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