Singapore is “seriously studying the potential deployment of nuclear energy, especially newer technologies such as small modular reactors,” Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng said at the opening of Singapore International Energy Week.
“Rising geopolitical uncertainties have led to countries reassessing their climate ambitions, placing renewed emphasis on economic resilience and self-sufficiency, at the expense of decarbonisation efforts,” Tan said. “Yet, nature will wait for no man. Climate change continues to accelerate, and its impact will profoundly affect how we live, work, and thrive. For Singapore – a small low-lying island and an alternative-energy disadvantaged city-state – these challenges are far more acute. To secure a low-carbon energy future for generations to come, we must plan smarter and work harder.”
He said Singapore “must pursue a diversified portfolio of sustainable energy pathways to build the future we envision. It is unlikely that any single solution will suffice, just as there is no one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonisation.”
Tan said nuclear energy has the potential to be “a safe, reliable, and cost-competitive option for Singapore”. He noted that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced earlier this year that the government would reorganise itself to place greater emphasis on capability building.
“We have since formed dedicated nuclear energy teams within key agencies to lead these efforts – namely, the Nuclear Energy Office within the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Nuclear Safety Division within the National Environment Agency (NEA). These teams will focus solely on nuclear energy issues, and I hear they are hiring actively.” Tan said Singapore is “also actively collaborating with international partners”.
