Singapore yet to decide on nuclear energy deployment

The government, however, is studying advanced and safer nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors.

Singapore has yet to decide on the deployment of nuclear energy, according to Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong.

In his speech at the Singapore International Energy Week, Gan said the feasibility study the government conducted 10 years ago concluded that nuclear energy technologies available before were not suitable for deployment in Singapore.

Gan said Singapore also needs to build capabilities to understand advanced nuclear energy technologies that are becoming safer and have the potential to be cost-competitive.

"[This way] we can study the options seriously when these newer technologies have become viable," Gan said.

 Gan added that Singapore has been engaging with international organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to understand advanced nuclear technologies that are safer and can be cost-competitive. 

The government has also been working with ASEAN partners to facilitate information-sharing on the region’s capabilities.

One of the advanced nuclear technologies that Singapore is keen to study is the Small Modular Reactors (or SMRs), which have shown promise as a safer option than conventional large-scale reactors.

"Some SMRs are designed to cool safely and passively without requiring external systems or operator actions during emergencies," Gan said.
“We will deepen our collaboration with countries with capabilities in SMR technology to strengthen our understanding of these technologies. In short, we must keep our options open and stay abreast of promising industries and technologies,”  Gan added.