Col. Dr. Setthapong Malisuwan, a digital technology expert and former Vice Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), spoke about the global energy industry, stating that it is the largest industry essential for life. However, energy consumption impacts the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 5 million people die annually from air pollution, leading the world to seek new energy forms to reduce pollution.
Several global digital giants are pushing this agenda. For example, Samsung has a policy to use 100% solar power by 2020, transforming its Digital City headquarters in South Korea into a solar-powered zone and installing 42,000 square meters of solar panels. Apple also already uses 100% renewable energy in all its offices, stores, data centers, and workplaces worldwide.
Col. Dr. Setthapong cited Singapore as an example with its concept of installing solar power. Despite its limited area of only 278 square miles, mostly urban, the Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA) aims to generate enough electricity for residential use by 2020.
The startup Sunseap is the main operator in Singapore, leasing rooftop spaces to install solar panels, generating approximately 100 megawatts of electricity per day, and selling power to environmentally conscious companies like Apple and Microsoft. Apple in Singapore uses power from Sunseap and solar panels on its own buildings, while Microsoft has agreed to purchase power from Sunseap for 20 years for its local data centers.
Due to space constraints, the Singaporean government utilizes 17 large reservoirs for installing floating solar platforms, which are approximately 5-15% more efficient than rooftop systems. EMA also facilitates companies and consumers investing in solar energy, including the sale of surplus energy and new business models such as solar energy leasing.
Col. Dr. Setthapong concluded that the formulation of policies by governments and energy regulatory bodies in each country must overcome political and energy industry hurdles. Countries that can effectively overcome these hurdles for the true benefit of their people will achieve progress in new energy industries and build competitive capabilities in the new economy in a stable and sustainable manner.
