Singapore is emerging as one of the most-watched countries in Southeast Asia in the nuclear-energy debate. While the city-state has said nothing about a reactor, its agenda is increasingly moving towards nuclear power as it enjoys rising public acceptance and as energy security concerns increase.
Energy Security Drives the Nuclear Debate
The Singapore power grid relies heavily on natural gas that is brought in, accounting for approximately 95% of the country’s electricity generation. Less land area is also a constraint for larger projects for renewable energy.
With these limitations, newfound interest in low-carbon, reliable electric power is increasing. Nuclear is thus part of Singapore’s energy diversification plan to meet its goal of being Singapore as A Net Zero by 2050.
Why Small Modular Reactors Matter?
Singapore’s attention is gradually shifting to small modular reactors and other emerging nuclear technologies, rather than large reactors. The small size of their prints makes their impact significant to a populated Urban State of many citizens and perhaps their inherent passive safety aspect.
The technology is developing and issues include costs, licensing, commercialization and managing radioactive waste. The Singapore approach has therefore focused on research and assessment and development, without being bound by an eventual investment decision.
Building Nuclear Readiness
The other significant aspect in Singapore’s strategy is institutional preparation for the students. It is involved in the International Atomic Energy Agency‘s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review to evaluate issues like regulation, safety, emergency preparedness and staff development.
Singapore has also been looking for civil nuclear partnership with international counterparties. Technical expertise, training, for a nuclear programme, can be supplied by such partnerships.
Building Nuclear Readiness
The voice of the people has become a key factor in Singapore’s nuclear debate. However, as concerns with energy security, climate change and electricity costs increase, there is growing interest in nuclear power seen in research cited by Singaporean institutions, according to the study.
This does not imply that the approval of the public is akin to an irreversible decision to construct reactors. Rather, it indicates that there is interest in nuclear energy in the discussion on Singapore’s energy security.
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Public Acceptance Is Changing
The agendas of nuclear discussions in other ASEAN nations are playing out at the same time in Singapore. The Philippines are considering nuclear pathways such as SMRs; Indonesia are proceeding with nuclear plans; Malaysia and Vietnam have also explored nuclear pathways.
Singapore has taken a unique stance in looking at how the technologies will be assessed and how the regulation must be put in place. This experience may serve as a guide for other economies.
FAQs
Is Singapore building a nuclear reactor?
Singapore has yet to formally pledge the construction of a commercial reactor. Its current effort is centered on participating in research of new technologies, developing expertise and evaluating safety and feasibility.
Why is Singapore considering nuclear energy?
Nuclear power is being reviewed in Singapore to help cut its natural gas dependence on imports, and due to its short supply of land available for large scale renewable production.
Can nuclear power be a pathway towards ‘Net Zero’ in Singapore?
Nuclear power is a possible source of low carbon electricity, but would need to meet safety, economic, regulatory, technology readiness and public acceptance conditions to have a future role.
