Singapore has announced it is “seriously studying” the potential deployment of nuclear energy, particularly new technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet its national energy needs and decarbonization goals. Speaking at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), Energy Minister Dr. Tan See Leng stated nuclear power could be a “safe, reliable, and cost-competitive option.” The government has released a background paper to inform the public on its benefits and risks.
To build expertise in line with its goal of addressing the “energy trilemma” (clean, affordable, and secure energy), Singapore will sign new cooperation agreements with two United States organizations: the Idaho National Laboratory and Battelle Memorial Institute.
In addition to exploring nuclear, Singapore is pursuing other decarbonization pathways. These include establishing a 300 MW regulatory sandbox for biomethane as a low-carbon fuel, awarding S$44 million in incentives to Keppel and Sembcorp for adopting more efficient natural gas turbines, and refreshing the strategy for Jurong Island to become a low-carbon innovation hub.
