Shini and Rebecca speak from their experience at the Energy Technologies Department (ETD), where they have been studying the feasibility of potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore.

While Rebecca’s role involves studying the cost implications and practical considerations of nuclear energy for Singapore – including factors such as overall cost, land requirements, and suitability for Singapore context, Shini’s work focuses on researching the risks and safety of nuclear energy technologies.

Despite their different areas of focus, both of them have arrived at the same conclusion: Newer nuclear energy technologies, such as small modular reactors, have the potential to offer significant improvements in safety, economics and performance compared to many of the older nuclear technologies that are in operation today.

“Nuclear energy can come from either fission or fusion,” Rebecca explained. “Fission splits atoms, fusion joins them. In both cases, the amount of energy released is incredible. Just one tiny uranium pellet can release as much energy as a tonne of coal.”

Nuclear energy also stands out when compared to other energy sources. “Like fossil fuels, it provides stable and reliable power, potentially enhancing energy security,” Shini explained. “Like renewables, it is a clean energy source and does not produce carbon emissions during operation.”

While the potential benefits of nuclear energy are evident, the question still lingers: are the risks worth it?

Rebecca shared that EMA’s work takes guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones Approach. This approach highlights 19 key issues (termed “infrastructure areas”) – ranging from safety to legal frameworks – to be considered across three phases, and is widely used by countries considering nuclear power. “Our team is developing our capabilities to assess all 19 infrastructure areas outlined in the IAEA Milestones Approach. Any decision on nuclear energy will be based on thorough studies of its safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability for Singapore,” she mentioned.

“The probability of an accident is considered extremely low,” Shini noted, referencing claims from nuclear technology vendors that the risk may be tens to thousands of times lower than that of an aircraft accident. She added, “We are actively studying small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors. These newer nuclear technologies are designed with multiple safety features to greatly reduce the likelihood and impact of any potential accidents,” she mentioned, referencing the reduced emergency planning zones of a few hundred metres claimed by SMR vendors, compared to tens of kilometres required for conventional reactors.

Despite these promising advancements, her team is proceeding with caution. She mentioned, “While the probability is low, we understand that the consequences, however unlikely, could be far-reaching for current and future generations. As such, it is essential to study these questions comprehensively, with safety as our paramount concern.”

Beyond safety concerns, both Rebecca and Shini noted another challenge: increasing public understanding.

They believe that enhancing public education is crucial in helping people better understand nuclear energy and its potential to contribute to a cleaner energy future.

After all, drawing back to the example of turning around after seeing a nuclear power plant near the beach, Rebecca admitted that there was a time that she, too, would have harboured similar concerns as well. “As I learnt more about it, my perspective began to change.”

“There are many nuclear power plants operating globally, and many communities around them are supportive because they bring jobs while providing stable and clean energy,” Shini shared.

While Singapore has not made a decision on nuclear energy, it is important to keep our options open and stay informed about promising solutions, including nuclear energy, given that Singapore is a small and alternative energy-disadvantaged nation.

As countries in the region consider the potential deployment of nuclear energy, Singapore must also be well-equipped to understand how nuclear energy could impact both our nation and the broader region.

In anticipation of this, Shini shared that EMA is working with the industry, international organisations and other countries to study the potential deployment of nuclear power in Singapore and take further steps to build up capabilities in this area. To tap on experts, consultancy studies are being conducted to assess the viability of advanced nuclear technologies for Singapore. Singapore has also inked agreements with countries like the United States, United Arab Emirates and Sweden to learn more about nuclear technologies and scientific research.

“We will continue to build our capabilities proactively,” Rebecca said. “If and when nuclear energy becomes viable for Singapore, we want to be ready to make an informed decision.”