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The Energy Market Authority (EMA) launched a tender in December 2024 for consultancy services on advanced nuclear energy technologies. The study will evaluate the safety performance and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), based on their safety features, technology maturity, and commercial readiness.
It has now appointed Mott MacDonald Singapore Pte Limited to conduct the study.
EMA stressed that the island city-state has not made any decision to deploy nuclear energy. "However, it is important for Singapore to continue to build our capabilities and work with various experts to improve our understanding of nuclear energy, especially advanced nuclear energy technologies," it said. "Any decision to deploy nuclear energy will need to be carefully considered against its safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability in Singapore's context."
Singapore's Minister for Finance earlier announced that it will raise its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by or around 2050. The power sector currently accounts for about 40% of Singapore's carbon emissions, and with electricity demand expected to rise further, decarbonising the power sector is one central plank to meeting Singapore's global obligations.
In March 2022, 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, EMA signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE's Emirates Nuclear Energy Company to develop capabilities in nuclear energy. Through the MoU, both parties will 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 will facilitate information sharing through workshops, technical exchanges, and/or staff attachments.
Delivering his Budget 2025 speech in February this year, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said the government will 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.
