The three studies will examine different aspects of nuclear safety: safety standards adopted by international organisations and national regulators, including how to design and operate the reactor safely, what safety systems are needed, and how to prevent accidents; international environmental standards and regulatory frameworks for nuclear facilities; and environmental considerations for the potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore and the region – both of which focus on how to protect public health and the environment.
"These studies will complement the ongoing study commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to evaluate the safety performance and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies," the National Environment Agency (NEA) noted.
The NEA, as the radiation and nuclear safety regulator, has been developing Singapore's nuclear safety capabilities through close partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency and established regulatory bodies in Finland, France and the USA, as well as its regional neighbours with whom it engages in nuclear safety cooperation discussions. The NEA's Nuclear Safety Advisory Panel, comprising experts in nuclear and related scientific fields, provides independent advice on nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
"The studies, together with our other capability-building efforts, ensure that Singapore is well equipped with the knowledge and technical expertise to independently assess the potential for safe deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore," the NEA said. "These capabilities will also allow us to contribute to strengthen regional discussion on nuclear, to better prepare for a region with nuclear power plants. The studies will also support our preparations in the event that countries in our region decide to deploy nuclear power."
In 2012, the Singapore government conducted a pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy. While the study concluded that nuclear power plants of the time were not suited for a small and densely populated city-state, it recommended that Singapore continue to monitor the progress of new nuclear energy technologies.
In March 2022, the EMA released a report that concluded nuclear energy could supply around 10% of Singapore's energy needs, helping its power sector achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In October 2024, the EMA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE's Emirates Nuclear Energy Company to develop capabilities in nuclear energy. Through the MoU, both parties would work together to strengthen capabilities in nuclear science and technology, and identify activities of mutual interest in areas such as the assessment of emerging nuclear technologies and human resource development. The parties agreed to facilitate information sharing through workshops, technical exchanges, and/or staff attachments.
In September 2025, the EMA appointed UK-headquartered engineering firm Mott MacDonald to conduct a study on the safety and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies. The study aims to evaluate the safety performance and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies, such as small modular reactors, based on their safety features, technology maturity, and commercial readiness.
Delivering his Budget 2025 speech in February last year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong - who is also Finance Minister - said the government would study the potential deployment of nuclear power in Singapore and take further steps to systematically build up capabilities in this area. "We will need new capabilities to evaluate options, and to consider if there is a solution that Singapore can deploy in a safe and cost-effective way," he said.
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