Singapore Expands Nuclear Energy Research and Workforce Amid Safety Concerns

Singapore is enhancing its workforce and intensifying research as it investigates the potential for nuclear energy to power the nation in the future. While there is currently no established timeline for implementation, officials emphasize that ensuring stringent safety standards and building public confidence are critical challenges. This comes as the interest in nuclear energy rises across the region.

Chia Meng Hwee, deputy director of the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) Nuclear Energy Office, noted, “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 pointed out that successful nuclear projects in the region could enhance public trust in these technologies, while any setbacks could adversely affect perceptions.

Nuclear Energy as a Cleaner Alternative

Approximately 95 percent of Singapore’s electricity is generated from natural gas, creating a heavy dependency that makes the country susceptible to fluctuations in global energy prices and supply chain disruptions. As energy demand continues to rise, combined with limited land availability and increasing climate pressures, the search for cleaner and more reliable energy alternatives has intensified. Experts highlight that conventional energy solutions may not suit Singapore’s unique constraints, necessitating innovative approaches.

To explore the feasibility of nuclear energy, the EMA has engaged the consultancy firm Mott MacDonald to evaluate nuclear technologies. Recent advancements, particularly in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), have presented nuclear energy as a more viable option for land-scarce Singapore. SMRs are designed to be more compact, potentially quicker, and more cost-effective to construct compared to traditional large-scale reactors, which can take nearly a decade to complete.

Unlike conventional reactors, which can occupy significant land space, SMRs require less land and are easier to scale. Their prefabricated modules can be shipped and assembled on-site, significantly reducing construction time and costs. Each SMR typically generates around 300 megawatts, about a third of the capacity of conventional reactors.

Prioritizing Safety and Public Engagement

Safety remains a paramount concern in the exploration of nuclear energy. SMRs utilize passive safety systems that can automatically shut down and cool the reactor without the need for pumps or human intervention. Dr. Ming Tan, global nuclear practice lead at Mott MacDonald, stated, “For us, safety is absolutely non-negotiable. Therefore, we’ll be focusing on the key safety and design advancements in SMRs, such as the inherent safety features and their simpler, more compact plant design.”

Singapore’s national radiation monitoring program plays a vital role in addressing safety concerns. The program tests air, land, and water samples across the island, with a network of stations continuously monitoring for anomalies that could indicate nuclear radiation. Soil and water samples are also analyzed for radioactivity levels that could pose risks to human health.

The initiative extends beyond Singapore, enhancing detection capabilities as nuclear energy projects emerge in the region. Countries like the Philippines and Indonesia are already taking steps towards establishing nuclear power plants. Mr. Ang Kok Kiat, group director for radiation protection and nuclear science at the National Environment Agency, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, stating, “We are catalyzing nuclear safety cooperation among our counterpart regulators in the region.”

Singapore’s approach aligns with efforts within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where collaborative strategies have resulted in outcomes such as regional early warning systems for nuclear incidents.

The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute is also working to develop a pool of specialists to support nuclear-related needs. Its director, Associate Professor Chung Keng Yeow, remarked on the preparation efforts underway, including building manpower and offering scholarships for overseas training. “All the preparation work… indicates some sort of a start,” he noted.

As Singapore navigates its energy future, the emphasis on safety, public engagement, and regional cooperation will be instrumental in the potential adoption of nuclear power. The country aims to balance its energy demands with sustainable practices while ensuring the public remains informed and confident in the technologies under consideration.