By ESTHER AU YONG

IN 15 years' time, your television set or washing machine at home could be powered by nuclear energy.

That is one of the possible alternative energy sources whose feasibility in Singapore should be studied, the Economic Strategies Committee's (ESC) sub-committee looking at ways of ensuring energy resilience and sustainable growth recommended in its report.

One of the advantages of nuclear power is that the cost of generating it is less vulnerable to fluctuations in fuel costs.

The interest in nuclear energy is not new in the region.

Vietnam and Thailand have announced plans to build nuclear power plants in the next decade, and Malaysia and Indonesia are considering the option.

However, the ESC acknowledged that "safety is a major concern, especially given our high urban density".

Other considerations include the reliability of a nuclear power supply, and the complex issues surrounding nuclear fuel and waste disposal.

In the near future, Singapore can consider diversifying its energy sources to include coal and imported electricity, and possibly harness renewable energy generated in neighbouring countries, the ESC suggested.

This could mean tapping on geothermal power from countries like Indonesia, or hydroelectric power from the Mekong region.

By 2020, 5 per cent of peak electricity demand should be supplied by renewable sources, the ESC recommended.

These steps should be taken to ensure Singapore's economic competitiveness and energy security, while addressing environmental- sustainability issues, it added.

But, currently, Singapore is not quite ready to take this step.

Assistant Professor T. S. Gopi Rethinaraj, an energy security and policy expert at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, told my paper: "There are several challenges facing Singapore. The current infrastructure is not viable enough to support the import of electricity.

"Furthermore, there is currently no surplus energy in the region. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia need to take care of their own energy needs first."

In the long run, though, he sees a potential for a regional electricity grid, where countries in the region can share energy in a more efficient manner.

"Factors such as the construction of transmission lines, ensuring the quality of the grid and its reliability need to be addressed."

That is why the ESC also recommended that the Government invest in innovations and infrastructure ahead of demand.

For example, "a robust, advanced and extensive grid and gas-transmission infrastructure can make markets more efficient, open new areas for economic development and strengthen our energy security", the ESC report said.

Other key recommendations include studying a possible carbon-pricing scheme, and pricing energy to reflect real costs and constraints.

This involves taking into account various externalities and constraints, like energy security.

The ESC pointed out that the right pricing scheme will encourage energy consumption and investment decisions that prioritise energy conservation and efficiency.

The Government should also further promote energy efficiency for buildings, industry and homes, and support clean and efficient technologies in transportation.

estheray@sph.com.sg

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