Critical reflection

Since the start of the trimester till now, a lot of things have changed. We have all gotten more familiar with each other and have all started to have a much better understanding of one another. When the trimester first started my goals were simple and were very general in nature, been that all I had hoped to achieved was expanding my skillset and improving on what I already knew. With goals so broad, I believe it would instead be much harder not to accomplish them then it is to do so. 

It is now the end of the first trimester and I'm glad to say that this module has not only reminded me on how to think critically but also made it much clearer on how to do so and more natural to apply it in life. As the module has proactively created ideal scenarios to put critical thinking into actual practice while actively encouraging us to apply it everywhere else. 

Sure there was also a lot of knowledge I had to learn or relearn like how to write a proper letter or email, and the APA 7th edition citation style, but the wisdom of how to think critically, I find that more beneficial that everything else. Not only for its versatility, but also due to how effective it is or can be in all the different situations I imagine myself being in, in the near future. 

One particular time I realized critical thinking had really helped me out was when the initial brainstorming we had to do for the projects that our modules were throwing at us. It was at the point where everything and everyone was in a mess, slowing down and thinking logical in a systematic manner has allow us to proceed smoothly with our projects on numerous occasions.

For effective communication itself, when my team and I were writing the final report, I learned that I subconsciously wrote it like I was writing a pitch. One of my group member, Wen Qiang had pointed it out for me and due to the constructive feedback I received, I went back and had a good look though of what I wrote and realised how is wasn't appropriate for me to write the report in that manner so I had to rephrase the way I wrote the report. 

Knowing that report writing was never my forte. I instead choose to focus more on what I believe was, verbal communication as well as presentation skill. A crucial lesson I picked up in back in polytechnic was that while I might be enthusiastic about active contributions towards the project, being overly active also meant that I was preventing others from getting their chance to do so as well. With that in mind, while a truly balanced pmamount of contribution is impossible to achieve, I believe in this project, I was at least able to pull my own weight.

Working with different people is always challenging, but if everyone is able to help out with what they excel in. What will be delivered will be something that will definitely bring delight to all. In my project group, I found Asher to be really good at writing the report, Farhanah had provided really helpful questions and feedback about what we did or how we were about to do something and Wen Qiang was always providing very sound suggestions and explanation of why we should be doing things in a certain manner instead of how we're going about it. 

Altogether the experience has definitely benefited all of us as we help each other with the skill that we were weaker in. Personally I had received more help than I was able to give, idea on what to add onto what I wrote, wordsand pharse that weren't appropriate for the formal setting of the presentation and much more. 

There's a lot for me to take from this project but the feedback and suggestions to my report writing and the tone I should set for the oral presentation are things I will definitely keep in mind.

DRAFT 2: PROPOSAL TO INSTALL E-BIKE SPEED CONTROLLING SYSTEM (ESCS).

 1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide solutions for an issue identified by DWAF, e-bike modifications that lead to speeding and other accidents. The proposal covers the background of why e-bike accidents occur, and goes in-depth on how implementing the ESCS will help reduce accidents and improve road safety.

In this report, we will explain the main components found in an e-bike as shown in Figure 1.1 along with our proposed solution to install different sensors for measuring and monitoring the speed of the e-bike. One key objective of our proposal is to reduce accidents regarding modifications that lead to illegal speeding while ensuring road safety for all road users.

As there is an increasing number of power-assisted bicycles (PABs) also known as electric bicycles (e-bikes) users and e-bike related accidents, our team have come up with this proposal to introduce the implementation of a speed control monitoring system. In our proposal, the team will be giving an in-depth analysis of how an e-bike works and how implementing an E-bike Speed Controlling System (ESCS) will affect road safety. Also, explaining to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) how to generalise the installation of ESCS.

Figure 1.1

Components are found in an e-bike.

Note. Adapted from GRIN TECHNOLOGIES (n.d),

https://ebikes.ca/getting-started/ebikes-parts-explained.html

1.  Background

In 2016, Singapore's government adopted the recommendations of the Active Mobility Advisory Panel concerning cycling and the use of Personal mobility devices (PMDs) and e-bikes. The measures include expanding the cycling network and its supporting facilities to meet challenges in public safety arising from the use of PMDs and e-bikes. PMDs and e-bikes have gained popularity in Singapore due to their convenience, efficiency, and affordability for short-distance travel. As PMDs and e-bikes are becoming more popular, it has started to spark fears over public road safety. 

Following COVID-19, more people are working from home which in turn increases the demand for food delivery services. Consequently, many e-bike users are using their e-bikes to do food deliveries, said Mr Jin (2020). In tandem with the spike in e-bike usage, traffic accidents involving e-bikes have risen in Singapore. Rising from “24 in 2019 to 75 in 2020” according to Abdullah (2021). Riding at high speed also puts other road users at risk, a piece of news reported in 2016 by Awang and Heng from The New Paper, states that two teenage boys crashed their ebike onto a car while trying to beat the red light as they were speeding. 

Since then, LTA has introduced certain guidelines for e-bike users to follow, like not going beyond 25 km/h and riding on footpaths. The e-bike must be type-approved, sealed and registered as well. Therefore, installing the E-bike Speed Controlling System will not only enable LTA to control reckless speeding but will also mitigate possible safety hazards caused by illegal modifications such as changing to high voltage batteries, the drive chain system or the motor. More detailed specifications will be discussed later in the report. 

2.  Problem statement

Ideally, e-bike users will stick to the given speed limits without adding illegal modifications to go beyond it. However, e-bike users are still seen speeding with illegal modifications on their e-bikes. With the ESCS, we aim to keep the number of speeding accidents low by keeping the e-bike users' speed controlled along with constant monitoring. ESCS is also able to forward data logs of the e-bike’s speed for LTA to further analyse. 

3.  Purpose statement

The purpose of this report is to propose to the LTA how ESCS can be adopted in dealing with speeding due to illegal modifications to achieve safety for all road users. With the ESCS we will also have a log of the e-bike’s speed constantly, as such this data can be retrieved whenever needed.

2. Proposed Solution 

The proposed solution is to install an ESCS onto an e-bike to limit the speed of an ebike. The ESCS consists of 2 main parts, a speed sensor near the drive motor and the speed control system to limit the voltage going into the motor. The sensor would allow the ebike rider to monitor their speed and also allow them to have more time to respond for braking when there is a potential threat such as pedestrians or cars that come from a blind spot. According to Singapore Legal Advice, it is advised to avoid speeding as it is more likely for the rider to get into an accident. E-scooter and e-bike riders who caught speeding and did not comply with LTA’s Code of Conduct as of 1 February 2019 (speed limit of 10km/hr on the footpath and 25km/hr on the shared path, etc) could be fined up to $2000 and/or jailed up to 6 months. The speed sensor in the ESCS is a monopolar inductive sensor and being a passive sensor, it is cheap and rather accurate.  

Figure 2.1 internal appearance of the motor

Note. Adapted from MagnTek,

http://www.magntek.com.cn/en/list/94/136.htm

Figure 2.2 Positioning of the speed sensor

Note. Adapted from MagnTek,

http://www.magntek.com.cn/en/list/94/136.htm

Having the speed sensor in the motor will constantly monitor the speed of the e-bike and also the pathway of the electrical impulse through the rotor. All these data would be collected and linked to the speed control system. As the pulse signal might be mixed with interference or disturbance from the environment or the magnets in the rotor, a filtering modulation process will proceed in the speed control system. The speed control system will detect and calculate the estimated rate and collect the data for multiple usages. For example, an LTA officer could easily track the pre-records of this particular e-bike during a routine check to check for speeding. 

A speed control system in a simpler term is named the Electrical Controller Unit(ECU)or Multi-controller Unit (MCU). The ECU or MCU is an important component of an ebike, which controls the motor and monitor the status of the ebike( refer to figure 2.3 for the power train of an e-bike). The controller unit is located between the battery and the motor (figure 2.4). Several functions of the ECU control the bike's overall performance, including the motor speed, charging results, and motor charging quality.

Figure 2.3 Power train of an e-bike

Note. Adapted from Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Gihan Ekanayake et al.,2018, https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/10/2506/htm

Figure 2.4 Detailed layout of an e-bike system

Note. Adapted from Aliexpress, 2021,

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32310583905.html

According to an article published on Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI) in 2018 mentions that “The capacitors in the ECU assist in maintaining the supply of a steady consistent current, resulting in a smooth and improved lifetime of the driving motor”. Through the ECU, if the rider has exceeded the preset speed limit detected by the speed sensor, the supply power from the battery would be restricted and thus limiting the overall speed performance in an acceptable range. Data recorded by the ECU would be stored and only applicable to authorised personnel.

The full ESCS would allow the e-bike user to use without the fear of exceeding the speed limit by accident. Over the years, LTA has published many different rules and regulations regarding the illegal usage of e-bikes. For example, speed limitations, road usage and all motorised devices including e-bikes have to comply with the UL2272 fire safety standard.

3. Benefits of Proposed Solution 

The use of ESCS is to control and monitor the speed of the e-bike. Speed management is one of the main factors for ensuring the safety of the e-bike user as it is important to not go beyond the speed limit to prevent any accidents from happening. Hence, it will be beneficial if both the stakeholders; LTA and e-bike seller are able to join hands and work together on this project. There are three main benefits of installing the ESCS.

3.  Safety for the e-bike user and other road users. 

Speed sensor in ESCS is able to monitor the speed of an e-bike and is able to ensure the safety of the user.  According to an article from Reuters, a study shows that injuries to e-bike users are more serious compared to other users.

Installation of the ESCS help to ensure safety for the e-bike users as to when an accident occurred, the user will suffer more due to the different protection of the user and the material of the e-bike. Furthermore, the intensity of the injuries they suffered during an accident depends on the speed of the e-bike at that time. At the same time, the family and friends of the e-bike user need not be as worried for their safety.

3.  LTA and e-bike sellers

ESCS will be beneficial to the LTA as the number of accidents related to e-bike speeding will decrease. The function of the cloud in ESCS will help to send the speed data of the users when the speed limit exceeds to LTA and LTA will analyse and come up with new ways to improve their current safety guidelines. Hence, increasing the effectiveness of the current safety guidelines. E-bike sellers are also able to promote their e-bike better with the installation of ESCS as the risk associated with e-bike will be greatly reduced.

3.  Awareness for E-bike users

Implementing ESCS will increase the E-bike users' awareness. The E-bike users will be aware of their speed limits when riding the ebike. They will make sure to obey and follow closely the speed limits set as ESCS will alert the user if speeding takes place. Thus, overspeeding will not happen as the ebike users are vigilant about their speed. 

4. Evaluation

4.1 Challenges

One main challenge that our proposed solution will face will be the implementation of the ESCS and the enforcement to ensure that e-bike users will not get it removed from their e-bike after the installation. As it would not be that realistic to get the ESCS on every single e-bike without a significant amount of time. Without strict guidelines and enforcement, the ESCS will not get properly implemented across all users and might end up as a waste of time.

Another challenge is to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of the ESCS as if it were to malfunction or get faulty the user would not benefit from it. Routine inspection can be conducted to help ensure the ESCS is still working as intended as well as ensure that it has not been removed from the e-bikes

4.2  Limitations

The limitation of the ESCS is that despite being able to fulfill its intended purpose once installed, the most it will do is discourage e-bike users from speeding but limiting the speed and monitoring them. If the users choose to still disregard the guidelines and enforcement in place and remove the ESCS, then needless to say the ESCS would be useless in helping to ensure the safety of the user and those around them.

4.3  Alternative Solutions

4. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) to detect the speed of the e-bike

An alternate solution would be using GPS to track the speed of the e-bike instead of a speedometer. As if we were to use GPS instead, not only would the implementation be easier but it would be less taxing to maintain as well. The downside to using the GPS is that it would not be as accurate as of the speedometer. 

Reference 

Abdullah, A.Z. (2021, June 22).  Singapore’s e-bike numbers doubled over the past year admit demand from food delivery riders. Channel News Asia.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/e-bike-numbers-double-singapore-demand-food-delivery-riders-1944546

Awang, F. N & Heng, L.(2016, March 4).  Teen motorised bicycle land on car windscreen after crash. The New Paper. https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/teens-motorised-bicycle-land-car-windscreen-after-crash

Chander, V (2019, December 26). E-bikes show distinct pattern of severe injuries. Reuters.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-ebike-injuries-idUSKBN1YT0MV

Cumming, T. (2018, June 8). How does an electric bike work? The Telegraph.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cycling/e-bike-revolution/how-does-an-electric-bike-work/

Ekanayake, G et al (2018, September 20). Numerical Study on Heat Transfer Characteristics of the 36V Electronic Control Unit System for an Electric Bicycle. MDPI.

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/10/2506/htm

Joanne, P. (2019, November 11). LTA Rules for Bikes, Electric Bikes, E-Scooters & PMDs (2020). Money Smart. https://blog.moneysmart.sg/transportation/lta-rules-bikes-e-scooter-pmd/

King, C.C.S et al (2020, n.d). Injury patterns associated with personal mobility devices and electric bicycles. Singapore Medical Journey.

http://www.smj.org.sg/article/injury-patterns-associated-personal-mobility-devices-and-electric-bicycles-analysis-acute

Wei, T. (2020, January 9). 417 road accidents involving cyclists and e-bike users last year, slight drop from 2018. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/417-road-accidents-involving-cyclists-and-e-bike-users-last-year-slight-drop

DRAFT 1: PROPOSAL TO INSTALL E-BIKE SPEED CONTROLLING SYSTEM (ESCS).

Title: Proposal to install E-bike Speed Controlling System(ESCS) in enhancing road safety. 

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide solutions for an engineering issue identified by DWAF. The proposal covers the background of why e-bike accidents occur, the components of e-bikes, the proposed solution, benefits, evaluation, the research that was being conducted, and a conclusion.

In this report, we will explain the main components found in an e-bike as shown in Figure 1.1. A solution is proposed to install different sensors to measure and monitor the speed of an e-bike. A key objective of this proposal is to reduce accidents regarding illegal speeding modifications and ensure road safety for all road users.

Due to the increasing number of power-assisted bicycles (PABs) also known as electric bicycles (e-bikes) users and e-bike related accidents, the team have come up with this proposal to introduce the implementation of a speed control monitoring system. In our proposal, the team will be giving an in-depth analysis of how an e-bike works and how implementing an E-bike Speed Controlling System (ESCS) will affect road safety. Also, explaining to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) how to generalise the installation of ESCS.

Figure 1.1

Components are found in an e-bike.

Note. Adapted from GRIN TECHNOLOGIES (n.d),

https://ebikes.ca/getting-started/ebikes-parts-explained.html

1.  Background

In 2016, Singapore's government adopted the recommendations of the Active Mobility Advisory Panel concerning cycling and the use of Personal mobility devices (PMDs) and e-bikes. The measures include expanding the cycling network and its supporting facilities to meet challenges in public safety arising from the use of PMDs and e-bikes. PMDs and e-bikes have gained popularity in Singapore because of their convenient, efficient, and affordable nature for short-distance travel. As PMDs and e-bikes are becoming more popular, it has started to spark fears over safety. 

In response to COVID-19, currently, more people are working from home, and thus increasing the demand for food delivery services. Consequently, many e-bike users are using their e-bikes to do food deliveries. “Sales of PABs have been rising due to COVID-19 as more people are ordering food online, the demand for delivery riders has gone up and hence (there has been a) direct increase in sales of PABs,” said Mr Jay Jin, general manager for Kernel Singapore. In tandem with the spike in e-bike usage, traffic accidents involving e-bikes have risen in Singapore. “Figures provided by the Traffic Police showed that the number of accidents involving e-bikes rose from 24 in 2019 to 75 in 2020 - a threefold increase”(Abdullah,2021).

Riding at high speed might also put other road users at risk, a piece of news reported in 2016 by Awang and Heng from The New Paper, “Two boys, aged 16 and 18, were flung onto the bonnet of a car at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 and Avenue 8 after their e-bike crashed into a car. The teenagers were speeding and had beaten a red light when the accident happened. They were taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for treatment and were later discharged.”

LTA has introduced certain guidelines for e-bike users to follow. Some of these guidelines are, e-bike users are not allowed to go beyond 25 km/h and ride on footpaths. Moreover, the e-bike must be type-approved, sealed and registered. Hence, the installation of the E-bike Speed Controlling System will enable the government agencies to control reckless speeding and also prevent possible safety hazards caused by illegal modifications such as changing to high voltage batteries, changing the drive chain system, and changing the motor. More detailed specifications will be discussed later. 

2.  Problem statement

As e-bike usage has grown over the years, incidents regarding them have also increased. Public road safety has always been a major issue. Ideally, e-bike users would follow the LTA guideline without modifying their e-bike and without going beyond the given speed limit for the e-bikes and the roads. However, e-bike users are still illegally modifying their bikes. The goal is to introduce the ESCS to e-bike users to monitor their speed and reduce the number of accidents relating to speeding.

 

3.  Purpose statement

The purpose of this report is to propose to the LTA how ESCS could be adopted in dealing with illegal speed modifications in order to decrease the number of accidents while achieving safety for all e-bike road users. With the ESCS we also hope to be able to create a log of the e-bike’s speed at all times, this log data could be retrieved by the LTA to do analysis processing. 

Reference list

Abdullah, A.Z. (2021, June 22).  Singapore’s e-bike numbers doubled over the past year admit demand from food delivery riders. Channel News Asia.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/e-bike-numbers-double-singapore-demand-food-delivery-riders-1944546

Awang, F. N & Heng, L.(2016, March 4).  Teen motorised bicycle land on car windscreen after crash. The New Paper. https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/teens-motorised-bicycle-land-car-windscreen-after-crash

Cumming, T. (2018, June 8). How does an electric bike work? The Telegraph.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cycling/e-bike-revolution/how-does-an-electric-bike-work/

Joanne, P. (2019, November 11). LTA Rules for Bikes, Electric Bikes, E-Scooters & PMDs (2020). Money Smart. https://blog.moneysmart.sg/transportation/lta-rules-bikes-e-scooter-pmd/

King, C.C.S et al (2020, n.d). Injury patterns associated with personal mobility devices and electric bicycles. Singapore Medical Journey.

http://www.smj.org.sg/article/injury-patterns-associated-personal-mobility-devices-and-electric-bicycles-analysis-acute

Wei, T. (2020, January 9). 417 road accidents involving cyclists and e-bike users last year, slight drop from 2018. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/417-road-accidents-involving-cyclists-and-e-bike-users-last-year-slight-drop

Reader's Response Draft 3

According to Daubach (2019), it is not recommended for Southeast Asia to transit to clean energy with a standardized approach as the challenges faced by each country are varied. Singapore relying on wind energy is not feasible due to limited land, while using hydrogen fuel is not cost efficient. Nuclear fusion seems to be ideal for Singapore however, it is not energy efficient (Daubach, 2019). Energy usage has to be considered too as it contributes greatly towards “climate neutrality.” The article also states that Southeast Asia is the furthest in the clean energy race despite being the most affected by climate change leaving huge room for improvement. With coal being a major issue, technology, business and policymakers will need to cooperate and innovation is necessary. Increasing energy infrastructure will be advantageous in transiting towards clean energy (Daubach, 2019). In my opinion, Southeast Asia countries like Singapore should transit toward clean energy, as fossil fuels like coal is harmful toward the environment and transiting to clean energy will benefit the environment and Southeast Asia's economy.   

Firstly, relying on fossil fuels like coal is not desirable as coal causes a lot of harm. According to Apanada (2020), before COVID-19 struck Southeast Asia was experiencing huge economic growth, with the demand for energy increasing at “an average of 6% per year.” But the article also states that over half of that demand in Indonesia and Philippines was being met via the burning of fossil fuels. According to Marlin (2021), not only does coal mining require mass deforestation, the act of which is also highly dangerous for the miners. And that is only the harm of mining coal, the harm that burning coal to generate energy not only ranges from polluting the air and water, but also contribute greatly to climate change and global warming.    

Secondly, Apanada (2020) also states that not only will transiting over to clean energy help ensure Southeast Asia future economic growth, it will also provide more jobs while making the world a better place to live in as doing so will not only improve public health but it will also address the big issue of climate change. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.), supports the claim by Apanada (2020) as it states that renewable energy sources not only produce no greenhouse gases but it can also help reduce “some types of air pollution” and developing clean energy will also add variety to the supply of energy sources to help reduce the dependance of imported energy. Reducing the dependence of imported energy in country like Singapore will also make the country less vulnerable in the case that the supply of imported energy is cut off.  

Speaking of Singapore, according to Chan (2019, as cited in Tan, 2019), despite the efforts of transiting to clean energy, for the next 50 years fossil fuels will still be a big part of Singapore’s energy sources. Like Singapore, countries in Southeast Asia each experience challenges and a variety of pressures that hinders the transition towards clean energy alternatives (Erdiwansyah, Mamat, Sani & Sudhakar, 2019.) Hence, fossil fuel will still be necessary for Southeast Asia countries despite the need to transit to ward clean energy.  

Lastly, using clean energy will benefit the environment as it does not emit any greenhouse gases and helps reduce harmful pollutants in the air and water (Buy Clean Energy, n.d.) The best part is, unlike fossil fuels clean energy sources are all renewable and hence will not harm the environment.  

In conclusion, while Southeast Asia does still require fossil fuel for the near future, it also need to shift its energy sources towards clean energy as the drawbacks of not doing so and the benefits of accomplishing the transition are numerous. 

Reference List   

Apanada, M. J. (2020) Clean Energy Can Help Southeast Asia Recover After COVID-19.  https://www.wri.org/insights/clean-energy-can-help-southeast-asia-recover-after-covid-19   

Daubach, T. (2019). How can Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Transition be sped up? https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/   

Mamat, R., Sani, M. S. M., & Sudhakar, K. J. S. O. T. T. E. (2019). Renewable energy in Southeast Asia: Policies and recommendations. Science of the total environment, 670, 1095-1102.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719312653   

Marlin, L. (2021). Disadvantages of Coal: 10 Reasons Why Coal is Terrible for the Environment. https://greencoast.org/disadvantages-of-coal/   

Tan, A. (2019). Singapore will continue to rely on natural gas amidst push to boost solar capacity: Chan Chun Sing.  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/singapore-will-continue-to-rely-on-natural-gas-for-the-next-50-years-chan-chun   

United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.). Local Renewable Energy Benefits and Resources.  https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-renewable-energy-benefits-and-resources  

Buy Clean Energy. (n.d.). Why Clean Energy is Important. https://buycleanenergy.org/why

Reader's Response Draft 2

According to Daubach (2019), it is not recommended for Southeast Asia to transit to clean energy with a standardized approach as the challenges faced by each country are varied. Singapore relying on wind energy is not feasible due to limited land, while using hydrogen fuel is not cost efficient. Nuclear fusion seems to be ideal for Singapore however, it is not energy efficient (Daubach, 2019). Energy usage has to be considered too as it contributes greatly towards “climate neutrality.” The article also states that Southeast Asia is the furthest in the clean energy race despite being the most affected by climate change leaving huge room for improvement. With coal being a major issue, technology, business and policymakers will need to cooperate and innovation is necessary. Increasing energy infrastructure will be advantageous in transiting towards clean energy (Daubach, 2019). In my opinion, Southeast Asia should transit toward clean energy, as fossil fuels like coal is harmful toward the environment and transiting to clean energy will benefit the environment and Southeast Asia's economy.  

Firstly, relying on fossil fuels like coal is not desirable as coal causes a lot of harm. According to Apanada (2020), before COVID-19 struck Southeast Asia was experiencing huge economic growth, with the demand for energy increasing at “an average of 6% per year.” But the article also states that over half of that demand in Indonesia and Philippines was being met via the burning of fossil fuels. According to Marlin (2021), not only does coal mining require mass deforestation, the act of which is also highly dangerous for the miners. And that is only the harm of mining coal, the harm that burning coal to generate energy not only ranges from polluting the air and water, but also contribute greatly to climate change and global warming.   

Secondly, Apanada (2020) also states that not only will transiting over to clean energy help ensure Southeast Asia future economic growth, it will also provide more jobs while making the world a better place to live in as doing so will not only improve public health but it will also address the big issue of climate change. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.), supports the claim by Apanada (2020) as it states that renewable energy sources not only produce no greenhouse gases but it can also help reduce “some types of air pollution” and developing clean energy will also add variety to the supply of energy sources to help reduce the dependance of imported energy. Reducing the dependence of imported energy in country like Singapore will also make the country less vulnerable in the case that the supply of imported energy is cut off. 

Speaking of Singapore, according to Chan (2019, as cited in Tan, 2019), despite the efforts of transiting to clean energy, for the next 50 years fossil fuels will still be a big part of Singapore’s energy sources. Like Singapore, countries in Southeast Asia each experience challenges and a variety of pressures that hinders the transition towards clean energy alternatives (Erdiwansyah, Mamat, Sani & Sudhakar, 2019.) Hence, fossil fuel will still be necessary for Southeast Asia countries despite the need to transit to ward clean energy. 

Lastly, using clean energy will benefit the environment as it does not emit any greenhouse gases and helps reduce harmful pollutants in the air and water (Why Clean Energy Is Important | Buy Clean Energy, n.d.) The best part is, unlike fossil fuels clean energy sources are all renewable and hence will not harm the environment. 

In conclusion, while Southeast Asia does still require fossil fuel for the near future, it also need to shift its energy sources towards clean energy as the drawbacks of not doing so and the benefits of accomplishing the transition are numerous.

Reference List  

Apanada, M. J. (2020) Clean Energy Can Help Southeast Asia Recover After COVID-19.  Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.wri.org/insights/clean-energy-can-help-southeast-asia-recover-after-covid-19  

Daubach, T. (2019). How can Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Transition be sped up? Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/  

Mamat, R., Sani, M. S. M., & Sudhakar, K. J. S. O. T. T. E. (2019). Renewable energy in Southeast Asia: Policies and recommendations. Science of the total environment, 670, 1095-1102. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719312653  

Marlin, L. (2021). Disadvantages of Coal: 10 Reasons Why Coal is Terrible for the Environment. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://greencoast.org/disadvantages-of-coal/  

Tan, A. (2019). Singapore will continue to rely on natural gas amidst push to boost solar capacity: Chan Chun Sing. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/singapore-will-continue-to-rely-on-natural-gas-for-the-next-50-years-chan-chun  

United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.). Local Renewable Energy Benefits and Resources. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-renewable-energy-benefits-and-resources 

Why Clean Energy is Important | Buy Clean Energy. (n.d.). Buycleanenergy. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://buycleanenergy.org/why

Readers Response Draft 1

According to Daubach (2019), it is not recommended for Southeast Asia to transit to clean energy using a standardized approach. Instead, a region-catered solution is advised. It is not feasible for Singapore to rely on solar or wind energy due to limited land, while depending on hydrogen usage is not cost efficient. The article states that nuclear fusion seems to be ideal for Singapore however, it is not energy efficient. Energy usage has to be considered as it contributes greatly in achieving “climate neutrality.” The article also states that Southeast Asia is the furthest in the clean energy race despite being the most affected by climate change which leaves huge room for improvement. With coal being a huge obstacle, not only is innovation needed, technology, business and policymakers also need to work closer together. Building more energy infrastructure will be advantageous in transiting towards clean energy following the drastic economic growth as well. Therefore, it is with strong belief that I say Southeast Asia is in dire need of clean energy transition, as it's over dependence on coal is harmful and transiting to clean energy good on the environment and the economy.    

Firstly, relying on coal is not desirable as coal causes a lot of harm. According to Apanada (2020), before COVID-19 struck Southeast Asia was experiencing huge economic growth, with the demand for energy increasing at “an average of 6% per year.” But the article also states that over half of that demand in Indonesia and Philippines was being met via the burning of fossil fuels. According to Marlin (2021), not only does coal mining require mass deforestation, the act of which is also highly dangerous for the miners. And that is only the harm of mining coal, the harm that burning coal to generate energy not only ranges from polluting the air and water, but also contribute greatly to climate change and global warming.  

Secondly Apanada (2020) also states that not only will transiting over to clean energy help ensure Southeast Asia future economic growth, it will also provide more jobs while making the world a better place to live in as doing so will not only improve public health but it will also address the big issue of climate change. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.), supports the claim by Apanada (2020) as it states that renewable energy sources not only produce no greenhouse gases but it can also help reduce “some types of air pollution” and developing clean energy will also add variety to the supply of energy sources to help reduce the dependance of imported energy. 

Reference List 

Apanada, M. J. (2020) Clean Energy Can Help Southeast Asia Recover After COVID-19.  Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/insights/clean-energy-can-help-southeast-asia-recover-after-covid-19 

Daubach, T. (2019). How can Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Transition be sped up? Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/ 

Mamat, R., Sani, M. S. M., & Sudhakar, K. J. S. O. T. T. E. (2019). Renewable energy in Southeast Asia: Policies and recommendations. Science of the total environment, 670, 1095-1102. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719312653 

Marlin, L. (2021). Disadvantages of Coal: 10 Reasons Why Coal is Terrible for the Environment. Retrieved from https://greencoast.org/disadvantages-of-coal/ 

United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.). Local Renewable Energy Benefits and Resources. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-renewable-energy-benefits-and-resources