Singapore building nuclear expertise to be an ‘intelligent observer’ amid regional push: Expert

“We know there’s an impact of hydrocarbons on climate change. As the gas runs out, the price will go up, so in terms of energy security, you have to look at what the alternatives are – nuclear, solar, wind.”

Given Singapore’s geography, nuclear power has a few advantages over the other two options, which require space to set up wind turbines or solar panels, said Prof Williams.

While acknowledging that public confidence in nuclear safety remains a challenge, Prof Williams pointed out that there are about 450 reactors operating worldwide, with over 20,000 reactor years of safe operation.

“The technology is very mature. And if these reactors are designed properly, built properly and operated properly, and they have a strong regulator, we should be all right.”