City-State to Explore Advanced Nuclear Technologies for Clean Energy
Singapore has signed a 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States, marking a significant step in its exploration of advanced nuclear technologies. The agreement, known as the 123 Agreement, was formalized on July 31 by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This partnership grants Singapore access to the US’s nuclear expertise and export-controlled technical data, supporting its evaluation of next-generation nuclear solutions, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors are gaining global attention for their potential to provide safe, clean, and scalable nuclear energy.
Despite signing the deal, Singapore has not committed to adopting nuclear energy. Instead, the agreement ensures the city-state remains informed on technological advancements in civil nuclear power, aligning with its long-term energy security and climate goals.
Minister Balakrishnan emphasized that Singapore must stay up-to-date with nuclear innovations, particularly as nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation remain top priorities. Meanwhile, Blinken highlighted that both nations share ambitious climate targets and are actively collaborating on decarbonization efforts, including cleaner shipping solutions.
The 123 Agreement is expected to take effect by the end of 2024, following a review by the US Congress. It will remain in force for 30 years, providing a structured framework for Singapore to engage with nuclear energy research and policy development.
