Singapore Accelerates Nuclear Energy Research Amid Safety Concerns

Singapore is taking significant steps towards exploring nuclear energy as a potential power source. The nation is expanding its manpower and intensifying research efforts, although no official timeline has been established for implementation. Key challenges include ensuring rigorous safety standards and fostering public confidence in nuclear technology, a sentiment echoed by Chia Meng Hwee, deputy director of the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) Nuclear Energy Office.

“Nuclear energy is an emotive subject, so we have to take into consideration the public’s understanding and the confidence in the technologies that will be deployed,” he stated. He further emphasized that successful deployment in the region could enhance public trust, while setbacks could undermine perceptions of nuclear technology.

Addressing Energy Demands and Limitations

Currently, approximately 95 percent of Singapore’s electricity is generated from natural gas, leaving the country vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. With energy demand on the rise, limited land availability, and increasing climate pressures, there is an urgent need for cleaner and more reliable alternatives. Observers suggest that conventional solutions may not adequately address Singapore’s unique constraints, prompting the need for innovative approaches.

To this end, the EMA has engaged consultancy firm Mott MacDonald to examine nuclear energy technologies. Advances in nuclear technology, particularly the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), present a more feasible option for the land-scarce nation. Unlike traditional large-scale reactors, SMRs are designed to be simpler, faster, and more cost-effective to construct. Conventional reactors, by contrast, can take nearly a decade to build.

SMRs are already operational in countries such as Russia and China, while projects are also progressing in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For Singapore, these reactors could offer distinct advantages, requiring less land and allowing for easier scalability. Their prefabricated modules can be shipped and assembled on-site, significantly reducing construction time and costs.

Ensuring Safety in Nuclear Technology

Safety remains a paramount concern in any nuclear energy initiative. SMRs incorporate passive safety systems that can automatically shut down and cool the reactor without the need for pumps or human intervention. “For us, safety is absolutely non-negotiable,” stated Dr. Ming Tan, global nuclear practice lead at Mott MacDonald. He highlighted the focus on key safety and design advancements in SMRs, which include inherent safety features and simplified plant designs.

Singapore’s ongoing national radiation monitoring programme plays a vital role in ensuring safety. The initiative involves testing air, land, and water samples across the island. A network of monitoring stations continuously checks the air for anomalies, allowing authorities to quickly identify any spikes that may indicate nuclear radiation. Additionally, soil and water samples are analyzed for radioactivity levels that could pose risks to public health.

As Singapore prepares for the potential integration of nuclear power, regional cooperation is also a priority. Countries like the Philippines and Indonesia are taking steps toward operating nuclear power plants, which emphasizes the need for collaborative safety efforts. “We are catalyzing nuclear safety cooperation among our counterpart regulators in the region,” noted Mr. Ang Kok Kiat, group director for radiation protection and nuclear science at the National Environment Agency. This collaboration within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has already led to the establishment of regional early warning systems.

The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute is also working to build expertise in nuclear technology and safety. Its director, Associate Professor Chung Keng Yeow, emphasized the importance of developing human resources in this area. “All the preparation work, especially for the institute, building up manpower, sending people on scholarships overseas, indicates a proactive start,” he stated.

As Singapore continues to navigate its energy landscape, the exploration of nuclear power presents both opportunities and challenges. The coming years will be pivotal in determining how the nation addresses its energy demands while ensuring safety and public confidence in nuclear technologies.