Country focuses on developing nuclear safety expertise while exploring energy options
Singapore is working towards building a pool of at least 100 nuclear safety experts in the medium to long term, although it has not yet decided whether nuclear energy will be part of its energy mix. Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Tan See Leng, provided an update in Parliament on April 3, stating that any decision regarding the deployment of nuclear energy will require detailed studies on its safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability in Singapore’s context.
In 2014, Singapore launched the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, which has already awarded 30 scholarships for postgraduate studies in nuclear science and engineering. The initiative has also developed around 40 researchers specializing in radiobiology, radiochemistry, and nuclear safety, all contributing to the goal of training 100 nuclear safety experts.
However, nuclear fusion technology remains in the early stages and is considered to be at least a decade away from being viable for energy generation. Conventional nuclear reactors, which use nuclear fission, are not a practical solution for Singapore due to the large safety buffer zones they require.
Instead, Singapore is exploring small modular reactors and Generation IV thermal reactors, which could be more suitable for the country’s energy needs, though these technologies are not yet commercially available. The government recognizes the importance of understanding nuclear energy in all its aspects, from radiological safety to operational and engineering sciences, and continues to train local talent by sending them abroad and collaborating with international institutions. This approach ensures that when a decision is made, Singapore will have the expertise needed to deploy nuclear energy safely and effectively.
