St Andrew’s Wins Debate
By Shareen Han

Bandar Seri Begawan - Renewable energy is not a feasible option for Brunei Darussalam as the sultanate cannot afford to cut down more of its trees to make way for alternative energy sources.

This argument earned St Andrew's School debating team the top spot in the final of the Brunei Energy Association Debate Competition.

"Are we willing to sacrifice rainforests, our national treasure, in support of wind energy?" argued Nathaniel Ting, the overall best debater at the competition yesterday. St Andrew's, the proposition team of the topic `Brunei Darussalam will not benefit from renewable energy,' was adjudged the winners when they outshone Chung Ching Middle School with their effective rebuttals.

Nathaniel said that Brunei cannot consider hydroelectic power because it requires the use of biomass crops such as sugar cane, which is lacking in the country. Meanwhile, his teammate Leong Yong Bo posed the question: "Why should we complain when oil and gas is generating revenue for the country?”The hydrocarbon industry has contributed to Brunei's economy for 70 years, while no country has benefited from renewable energy except for Denmark, said Leong. He added that solar cells, which produce solar energy, can only last for 20 years.

Diana Law, also from St Andrew's, said that Brunei will breach the Heart of Borneo agreement 'if it cuts down rainforests for renewable energy, which would lead to the loss of the other countries' trust and business deals. Emiliy On from the Chung Ching Middle School, the opposition team, argued that producing renewable energy will create more job 'opportunities in Brunei. She said that Brunei should start harnessing renewable energy immediately because its fossil fuel reserves will be exhausted in a short period of time. Solar energy is a good idea because of Brunei enjoys an equatorial climate and long hours of sunshine, she added.

She also said that renewable energy is more efficient as it does not need fuel or transportation, and requires less maintenance.

Her teammate Yee Ying Kong said that alternative energy sources are needed as energy consumption will rise with population increase. He pointed out that hydroelectric power, the world's leading form of renewable energy, is more cost-effective. Brunei can enjoy long term returns and benefits from renewable energy even though it has to invest billions of dollars, said Liong Han Fu, also from Chung Ching. "We do not need to build power stations for solar energy or hire professionals, which help to save money.'' he added. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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