Divisions
Energy Economics
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.
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.
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.
Energy Security
Energy security is an integral factor in a state’s political and economic survival. The world’s energy landscape is constantly evolving due to changing global energy production and consumption trends, new strategic power shifts, and the arrival of new technologies. In the context of change in the complex world of energy, it is critical for scholars and policy-makers to understand how energy security considerations shape the behaviour of states, and affect the international system and regional orders.
The Energy Security Division focuses on how geopolitical and governance trends are reshaping the global energy system. Ultimately, the question being examined is how global energy developments are affecting Singapore and the surrounding Asian region. Key issues that are covered include but are not limited to: energy diplomacy, new trends in energy production and consumption, resource nationalism and competition, the opening of new supply routes, the rise of national oil companies, the impact of new technologies, as well as global and regional developments that affect energy supply and demand.