Singapore Uncertain on Neighbouring Countries’ Nuclear Plans

Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Tan See Leng, announced on November 6, 2023, that the country cannot confirm the progress or maturity of its neighbouring countries’ nuclear energy plans. During a parliamentary session, Dr. Tan highlighted Singapore’s collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to effectively “triangulate” data concerning regional nuclear initiatives.

Responding to inquiries from the Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, Dr. Tan explained the complexities surrounding the information available on nuclear energy developments in Southeast Asia. He acknowledged that much of the pertinent information is not readily accessible, making it challenging to provide a comprehensive overview.

Regional Nuclear Energy Developments

Dr. Tan noted that while there have been “anecdotal announcements” regarding the potential establishment of nuclear sites in the region, details remain scarce. He mentioned that discussions have surfaced about the need for nuclear installations potentially located 500 kilometers south of Singapore, as well as in more remote areas such as Kalimantan and eastern Indonesia.

The Minister emphasized the difficulty in predicting timelines for nuclear projects in neighbouring countries. He referenced public reports suggesting that several nations aim to develop nuclear technologies within the next 10 to 20 years. Notably, Malaysia intends to integrate nuclear power into its energy mix by 2031, while Indonesia plans to commission its first nuclear power plant by 2034. The Philippines has set a target to generate nuclear power by 2032, leveraging its Bataan nuclear power plant, which has remained non-operational since its completion in the 1980s.

Vietnam is also pursuing nuclear energy, with plans to activate its first nuclear plants between 2030 and 2035, according to Reuters. These efforts reflect a growing interest in nuclear energy across Southeast Asia, despite varying levels of technological maturity.

Research and Development in Nuclear Technology

Dr. Tan pointed out that many countries in the region have established research reactors, which are not intended for electricity generation but serve research purposes. Malaysia, for instance, operates the Triga Puspati Reactor in Selangor, while Indonesia manages three research reactor sites located in Serpong, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. Vietnam’s Da Lat reactor, built in the 1960s, is also part of its nuclear research landscape, with plans for a second reactor in development.

In response to the growing regional interest in nuclear energy, Singapore is actively studying its potential as a low-carbon energy source. Dr. Tan reiterated this commitment while addressing other parliamentary questions regarding Singapore’s stance on nuclear deployment. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is tasked with evaluating the feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies, while the National Environment Agency (NEA) focuses on nuclear safety and safeguards.

Recently, the EMA appointed British firm Mott MacDonald to conduct a study on advanced nuclear technologies, including water-cooled small modular reactors and Generation IV designs, which utilize innovative cooling systems or fuels. This initiative underscores Singapore’s cautious yet proactive approach to exploring nuclear energy in the context of regional developments.

As the landscape of nuclear energy evolves in Southeast Asia, Singapore remains attentive to its neighbours’ advancements while ensuring that any potential nuclear initiatives align with safety and environmental standards.