Collaboration and Personal Responsibility seen as ways to address the energy challenges

According to the United Nations and Shell Scenarios**, it is estimated that by 2030, the world will need 40 –50% more energy, water and food to keep up with rising demand and increased population growth. Tremendous stresses will therefore be placed on these vital resources as energy is used to move and treat water; water is required to produce energy and both energy and water are required in the production of food. These stresses underscore a complex relationship and it is worth noting that at least 7 out of 10# Singapore respondents see higher energy prices, energy and water shortages as having the greatest impact on Singapore in the future.

Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman of Shell Companies in Singapore, commented, “It is encouraging that many respondents in Singapore view future energy needs as high priority and are increasingly aware of the inter-dependence of food-water-energy. In order to meet these pressing needs, the world will have to use innovation and technology to mobilise multiple forms of energy over the coming decades.”

The survey also revealed that Singapore respondents are in favour of a mix of energy sources to help meet future energy demand. There is no single solution and solar energy (86%^) was the preferred option. This is followed by natural gas (52%^), a cleaner-burning ally to renewable energy, wind power (47%^) and hydro energy (42%).

Dr Gillian Koh, Senior Research Fellow of the Institute of Policy Studies, commented on the respondents’ preference for renewable energy, “It is probably more practical to consider the importation of natural gas, as our government has now taken steps to do and also to wait till solar cells are able to get around the hurdle of our enormous cloud cover and become much cheaper than they currently are. It is also clear from the survey that the public’s concern about energy rests on two main stools – one to do with how it contributes to the cost of living and the second to climate change. “

A large majority (92%) of respondents agree that it is important to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and many have indicated that they are already taking personal actions to do so. 80%^ of respondents indicate they are already using less energy such as by switching off the lights when they go out of a room and 77%^ of respondents practice recycling.

When asked who is responsible for finding energy solutions, around 42% of the Singapore respondents say they support greater collaboration between industry, government and community. Although a majority also said that the Government has the biggest role to play, it is the older respondents (above 40 years old) who think that effective government policy is more important, while the younger respondents (below 40 years old) believe that economic incentives for clean energy and innovation are the more important factors in developing future energy solutions.

“Strong, co-ordinated and proactive policies are essential if we aim to meet the world’s rising energy needs and safeguard the environment for future generations. Industry, government and society – all have a joint responsibility to create a better energy future,” Mr Lee added.

Survey Highlights:

  • 4 in 5# rate future energy needs as important. The top issues include cost of living (88%)#, employment/job security (86%)# and housing affordability (86%)#.
  • Higher energy prices (79%)#, energy shortages (75%)# and water shortages (72%)# are seen as having the greatest impact on Singapore in the future.
  • Solar energy (86%)^, gas (52%)^ and wind power (47%)^ are among the most preferred future energy sources for Singapore respondents.
  • 92%* consider reducing carbon dioxide emissions important.
  • 42% believe collaboration between industry, government and community is the most important factor in building future energy solutions.
  • More younger respondents (below 40 years old) believe that economic incentives for clean energy (31%) and innovation (16%) are the most important factors in building future energy solutions, while older respondents (above 40 years old) think that effective government policy (20%) is most important.

A full report of the Shell Future Energy Survey results can be downloaded from www.shell.com.sg/foesurvey

Enquiries:

Serene Loo, Shell Spokesperson (Asia Pacific)

+65 63848943/ serene.loo@shell.com

Notes To Editors:

About the Survey

Shell commissioned Ipsos to produce the “Future Energy Survey” in Singapore to assess Singapore respondents’ views on the future of energy. Approximately 400 participants took part in the survey in March 2013.

About the Research Statistics

#This percentage refers to an individual category rating of 8 or above out of 10 on importance.

^This question was asked as a multiple response question, and accordingly responses will not total 100%.

*This percentage refers to an individual category rating of 6 or above out of 10 on importance.

**About Shell Scenarios (www.shell.com/scenarios):

Shell Scenarios ask “what if?” questions to explore alternative views of the future and create plausible stories around them. They consider long-term trends in economics, energy supply and demand, geopolitical shifts and social change, as well as the motivating factors that drive change. In doing so, they help build visions of the future. Shell’s latest New Lens Scenarios were published in 2013.

Dr. KHONG Cho-Oon, Shell’s Chief Political Analyst, will be delivering a public lecture on the Shell Global Scenarios 2013 titled “Viewing our Future with a ‘New Lens” in Singapore on 7 June 2013, at 9.30am – 11.30am, at Pan Pacific Hotel. Please visit http://www.spp.nus.edu.sg/ips/PL_Shell_Global_Scenarios_2013_070613.aspx for more information about the lecture.

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