Everything About S’pore Current Position About Nuclear Energy That’s Revealed in Parliament

Perhaps the thought of nuclear energy may evoke some negative connotations in some people’s minds, given the amount of nuclear-related issues that occur in this day and age like Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011.

But what if we tell you that not everything related to nuclear energy is about destruction?

In order to fully tap into the potentials of nuclear energy, Singapore will be cultivating a pool of around 100 nuclear energy specialists in the foreseeable long run.

This announcement was made in Parliament by the Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng on Wednesday, 3 April.

Despite these plans, a decision has yet to be made about whether nuclear energy will be officially introduced as a form of energy in Singapore, and there is still no timeline on taking a position regarding it.

Dr Tan said, “Any deployment decision will require detailed studies of the safety, reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability of nuclear energy in our local context.”

Building a Team of Nuclear Energy Experts

This was made in response to a question posed by Member of Parliament Gerald Giam, about the number of scientists presently at the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative.

Mr Giam also inquired about the government’s progress in establishing regulatory policy frameworks necessary for potential nuclear energy programs, namely nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

To which, Dr Tan affirmed the government’s support for training scientists and experts, both locally and abroad. 

Over the past decade, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has granted 30 scholarships for postgraduate studies related to nuclear science and engineering.

Additionally, it has cultivated approximately 40 researchers specializing in radiobiology, radiochemistry, and nuclear safety. Dr Tan reiterated that the goal is to ultimately reach 100 experts “in the medium to long run”.

Regarding nuclear fusion, the minister acknowledged significant enthusiasm in the field. However, he noted that, currently, the energy input required for sustainable nuclear fusion far surpasses the energy output that can be harnessed.

What Exists Currently?

Many countries are exploring tokamak-based systems, an experimental device for nuclear fusion, aiming to generate electricity through steam turbines. 

As of today, Singapore is studying how to safely deploy nuclear energy in small but densely populated areas.

Conventional nuclear reactors utilizing nuclear fission technology usually necessitate extensive safety buffer zones beyond Singapore’s perimeter, unlike newer iterations.

Dr Tan highlighted that Singapore is exploring small modular reactors and Generation IV thermal reactors, which could potentially meet its energy requirements.

However, these technologies have yet to be commercialized, hindering Singapore’s ability to gain practical experience from them. Nevertheless, the government acknowledges the importance of comprehending various aspects of nuclear energy, including radiological safety, operational capabilities, and engineering science.

To achieve this, Singapore continues to invest in training local talent by sending them abroad, collaborating with institutions worldwide, and leveraging their expertise.

The aim is to accumulate knowledge and skills so that when a decision is made regarding nuclear energy, Singapore will be prepared to implement it effectively.

How Likely is Singapore to Turn to Nuclear Energy?

Mr Giam inquired about the government’s timeline for deciding on nuclear energy’s inclusion in Singapore’s energy mix, stressing the importance of providing certainty to scientists and the public.

Dr Tan clarified that no decision had been made regarding nuclear energy, emphasizing the necessity to wait for commercial deployment of small modular reactors or newer thermal reactors to understand their safety profiles.

He highlighted the ongoing training of local talent, who are gaining expertise overseas to prepare for potential implementation. Dr Tan stated that while no specific timeline could be provided, Singapore continues to monitor developments in nuclear energy.

“I think this as far as we can tell you. We will not be able to commit to a particular timeline. But that doesn’t mean that we stop looking at it,” he said.

In response to questions about whether Singapore plans to stockpile uranium (a key fuel in nuclear fission reactors), in order to secure energy sources ahead of other countries who are also making the shift towards nuclear energy, Dr Tan replied that there are no such plans as of now, as it has yet to decide on the utilization of nuclear energy in Singapore.

Decisions will require thorough studies on safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability.

He reiterated the government’s vigilance in monitoring developments and advancements in nuclear energy technologies globally, as well as keeping avenues open for various low-carbon energy sources.

Limited Options for Renewable Energy Sources in Singapore

Presently, approximately 95% of Singapore’s energy is derived from burning natural gas, a fossil fuel source. Emissions from this sector contribute to around 40% of the nation’s total emissions.

According to the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore is an energy-disadvantaged country with limited options for decarbonization. 

“To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Singapore’s electricity supply mix will need to evolve over the coming decades,” said EMA’s spokesperson.

Once deemed unsuitable for Singapore, nuclear energy was officially identified by EMA as a potential power source for the country by 2050, in March 2022.

Nuclear energy is classified as a low-carbon energy source because the reactions responsible for generating energy do not emit greenhouse gasses, unlike the combustion of fossil fuels.

According to the report, advancements in nuclear technology have rendered it safer and more reliable, leading to the conclusion that by 2050, nuclear energy could potentially fulfill approximately 10% of the country’s energy requirements.

Other Sustainability Efforts in Singapore

In the meantime, another address was made in the Parliament session on 3 March about Singapore’s other sustainability efforts, particularly focusing on the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said that it is important to balance sustainability with economic competitiveness, and that Singapore would assess the approaches of other air hubs, as well as the production scale and sustainability of such fuel, before establishing its sustainable aviation fuel target beyond 2026.

Minister Chee reiterated the government’s goal for all flights departing Singapore to utilize 1% sustainable aviation fuel as an initial step.

It is anticipated that such measures, along with those taken by other authorities, will encourage producers to invest in new production capacity and elevate global production levels.