ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS AS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Energy depletion is a detrimental issue that is faced by countries globally. As such, new techniques for energy provision have to be sought for a sustainable future. In recent years, research into the method of harvesting hydrogen as fuel through the use of solar energy has been on the rise. This method is known as artificial photosynthesis and can be operated in several ways.

This dissertation focuses on investigating the methods of artificial photosynthesis and its applicability to Singapore. This is achieved through surveys to find out the receptiveness of artificial photosynthesis in Singapore and case study of artificial photosynthesis and fuel cell integration on ACMV system using cost-benefit analysis to explore the applicability in monetary terms.

It was found that the concept of artificial photosynthesis is not well established in Singapore and a reluctance to try this concept could be seen. However, quantitative analysis revealed the benefits and cost savings are tremendous. About 71 percent of monetary benefits can be realized compared to normal ACMV system operations. Despite the overwhelming gain, total cost of implementing the system may pose as a problem to cost conscious owners.

To deal with this problem, it is recommended that the government can provide grants to aid owners in overcoming the initial cost of implementing the system and incentives such as tax reduction on business operations as a reward for being environmentally conscious.