S’pore Exploring Use of Nuclear Energy & Studying the Safety of Deploying It

You might not know this, but Singapore is a nation heavily reliant on natural gas for its electricity.

And we’re facing a challenge.

Natural gas combustion is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and Singapore has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

To tackle this, the country is exploring various low-carbon alternatives, including the potentially controversial option of nuclear energy, according to sources at The Straits Times.

Yes, nuclear energy.

Learning from Global Leaders

Last year, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said that Singapore was exploring low-carbon energy sources, which includes nuclear energy.

It’s reported on 18 March 2024 that acknowledging the complexities and risks associated with nuclear power, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) is taking a thorough approach.

Government teams are consulting with leading international organizations and research institutions renowned for their nuclear expertise. These include:

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): A United Nations agency focused on promoting the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
• The UK Atomic Energy Authority: A research center specializing in fusion energy, a potentially safer and cleaner form of nuclear power.
• Germany’s Max Planck Institute: Home to cutting-edge nuclear fusion research, including work on the advanced Wendelstein-7X stellarator, an experimental reactor.

In other words, fret not: we’re not going to use nuclear energy tomorrow. We’re just doing research.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy presents both advantages and challenges.

It generates power without releasing planet-warming gases, a significant benefit for combating climate change. However, safety remains a primary concern, particularly due to past disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima.

Singapore is carefully weighing these factors in its decision-making process.

Also, Singapore’s consideration of nuclear power goes beyond international consultations.

Earlier this month, The Straits Times reported of a development of a new multi-million dollar research facility at the National University of Singapore. This facility will house researchers focused on the latest advancements in nuclear technology and safety, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are smaller, next-generation nuclear reactors designed for improved safety.

Dr Victor Nian, chief executive of the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources, tells The Straits Times that he believes that SMRs might be potentially suitable for deployment in Singapore, where land is scarce.  He also suggests the possibility of floating nuclear power plants as an alternative.

Now, that will be cool.

However, before any deployment decisions can be made, extensive feasibility studies will be required to determine the most suitable sites and technologies for Singapore’s unique needs.

The government also has a Nuclear Safety Research and Education Programme, established in 2014, that provides crucial funding for training a local pool of nuclear scientists and experts.

But this is for the future and up to the Government; if you want to help immediately, just bring your own plastic bags when you’re buying strawberries from NTUC FairPrice lah.

Or spend use the money that the Government is giving you to buy energy-efficient appliances; watch this video to know more: