About the Energy Economics Division

The Energy Economics Division uses analytical tools and methodologies grounded in economic theory to rigorously examine the issues that affect Singapore’s energy landscape. As a team of economists situated in a multidisciplinary institute, we are in the unique position of being able to combine our expertise in economics with insights gained from various academic traditions and energy policy dimensions, generating research that is both well-grounded academically and of relevance to policymakers. Our research interests span the full spectrum of energy economics, from oil and gas markets and energy security to climate change architectures and policies, the economics of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Research Focus

The Energy Economics Division conducts research on a variety of topics related to energy economics and policy, with an emphasis on issues relevant to Singapore. As fossil fuels continue to dominate the current energy mix in the region, the oil and gas markets and energy security remain important research areas for us. In addition, though, our research on innovative energy options, such as electric vehicles and solar PV, carbon mitigation and energy efficiency policies, and architectures of international climate change negotiations seeks to inform local and global energy policy debates that must increasingly consider the impending threat of climate change.

Energy and the Environment

The Energy and the Environment Division’s work is multi-disciplinary. Employing information from the various branches of science relating to the natural environment and the built environment, our critical focus is the relationships between them.  Thus, we examine the physical, political, social and legal aspects of, for example, energy efficiency, climate change, consumer choices with respect to energy production and use, as well as public education about clean and renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

The aim of the research undertaken by the Energy and the Environment Division is to translate new concepts of sustainability and environmental stewardship into sound and practical policy choices for decision makers in academia, government and industry.

Research Focus

The Environment Division looks primarily at Singapore’s energy landscape with particular focus on energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaption, and assessments of environmental sustainability. Through our projects, we hope to provide policy makers, industry, academia and the general public academically sound and balanced views of Singapore’s national circumstances in light of global concerns about climate change and economic pressures to conserve energy. Given Singapore’s vulnerability to external influences, we also examine the impact of  regional and global energy and climate change issues and policies.

As part of the NUS, Integrated Sustainability Cluster, the Environment Division partners with various Faculties to facilitate greater cooperation and collaboration in the form of student internships, joint-appointments and taught seminars/workshops.

About the Energy Security Division

Global geopolitical developments could adversely affect the physical availability of energy as a resource. The continued energy supply of any nation depends on the monitoring and analysis of global energy security movements. The Energy Security division within ESI promotes the advancement of policy knowledge for both short term and long term aspects of energy security within Singapore vis-à-vis the global community. Thus, it studies the various components of energy security, which include but are not limited to, the various energy sources (fossil and renewable energy), energy infrastructure and transportation, as well as global political developments.

Research Focus

Geopolitical developments that impact on energy; relations between energy producing and energy consuming nations in Asia; long-term energy needs in Southeast Asia, including prospects for biofuels and nuclear energy; regional energy security and diversification policies, including regional initiatives; role of international and regional state-owned energy companies.