Singapore Expands Nuclear Energy Studies Amid Safety Concerns

Singapore is actively enhancing its manpower and advancing research as it considers the potential incorporation of nuclear energy into its power generation mix. While no official timeline has been established for this initiative, authorities emphasize that robust safety standards and public confidence are critical challenges. As regional interest in nuclear energy grows, the country aims to facilitate a better understanding of the technologies involved.

Chia Meng Hwee, deputy director of the Energy Market Authority (EMA)’s Nuclear Energy Office, stated, “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 noted that successful nuclear energy deployment in the region could enhance public trust in these technologies, while setbacks could negatively impact local perceptions. As part of this effort, the EMA will continue engaging with the public to clarify the challenges associated with energy production and the facts surrounding nuclear power.

Dependence on Natural Gas and the Push for Alternatives

Currently, approximately 95 percent of Singapore’s electricity comes from natural gas, making the nation susceptible to fluctuations in global prices and supply chain disruptions. With energy demand on the rise, limited land availability, and increasing climate pressures, experts highlight the urgent need for cleaner and more reliable energy sources. Conventional solutions often do not align with Singapore’s unique constraints, prompting discussions about innovative and efficient alternatives.

To explore these options, the EMA has enlisted the consultancy firm Mott MacDonald to investigate the feasibility of nuclear energy technologies. Recent advancements, particularly in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), have rendered nuclear energy a more viable prospect for land-scarce Singapore. These next-generation reactors are designed to be simpler, faster, and more cost-effective compared to traditional large-scale reactors, which can take nearly a decade to construct.

SMRs, already operational in countries like Russia and China, offer distinct advantages for Singapore. Their smaller footprint requires less land, and their modular design allows for easier scaling, with prefabricated components that can be shipped and assembled on-site, thus reducing construction time and costs. Each SMR typically generates around 300 megawatts, which is about one-third of a conventional reactor’s capacity.

Ensuring Safety and Building Confidence

Safety remains a non-negotiable priority in Singapore’s exploration of nuclear energy. Dr. Ming Tan, global nuclear practice lead at Mott MacDonald, emphasized the importance of focusing on safety advancements and design improvements associated with SMRs. “For us, safety is absolutely non-negotiable,” he stated. The emphasis will be on understanding the inherent safety features of these reactors and the progress made in their licensing and regulatory processes.

As part of its commitment to safety, Singapore operates a national radiation monitoring program that tests air, land, and water samples across the island. A network of monitoring stations continuously checks for anomalies, enabling rapid detection of any potential nuclear radiation. Soil and water samples are regularly analyzed for radioactivity levels that could endanger human health.

The monitoring program not only serves Singapore’s interests but also enhances regional detection capabilities as nuclear energy initiatives gain traction in neighboring countries. Nations such as the Philippines and Indonesia are already preparing for the operation of nuclear power plants. “We are catalyzing nuclear safety cooperation among our counterpart regulators in the region,” stated Mr. Ang Kok Kiat, group director for radiation protection and nuclear science at the National Environment Agency. This collaboration is part of the broader efforts within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to develop regional early warning systems and enhance nuclear safety protocols.

The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute has also been established to consolidate expertise in nuclear technology and safety, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce to meet nuclear-related needs. Associate Professor Chung Keng Yeow, director of the institute, remarked, “All the preparation work, especially for the institute, building up manpower, sending people on scholarships overseas – so that we start to build at least some human expertise in this area – is already indicating some sort of a start.”

As Singapore moves forward in its exploration of nuclear energy, the emphasis on public engagement and safety will be paramount. The nation’s proactive approach to building expertise and fostering regional cooperation lays the groundwork for a potential future that includes nuclear power in its energy landscape.