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We thank Mr Irwan Jamil for his letter “Public confidence key when considering nuclear energy option” (Sept 4).
Safety is indeed paramount and we are committed to ensuring that rigorous standards are met in the deployment of any energy source in Singapore.
To help us better understand the safety and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies, the Energy Market Authority has commissioned Mott MacDonald to assess the reliability and performance of enhanced safety features incorporated in various small modular reactor designs. This is one of the Government’s many efforts to strengthen our capability in nuclear energy and study the potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore.
In addition to safety, Singapore will continue to deepen its understanding of various nuclear energy-related areas, such as environmental impact and waste disposal.
Singapore also continues to build up local capabilities in nuclear safety through the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute. The institute supports the development of expertise in areas of nuclear safety, science and engineering, and anchors collaborations with international partners and institutions.
These efforts ensure that Singapore develops the knowledge base to objectively assess nuclear technologies while upholding highest standards of safety and security.
We agree with Mr Jamil that transparency and public engagement are critical in fostering understanding of Singapore’s energy landscape and options for a low-carbon future.
We will continue our efforts on this front as we pursue a diversified energy strategy towards a clean, reliable and sustainable energy future for Singapore.
Darryl Chan
Director of Energy Technologies
Energy Market Authority
Forum: Public confidence key when considering nuclear energy
By: Irwan Jamil
I read with interest “Mott MacDonald to study safety, feasibility of advanced nuclear tech like small modular reactors: EMA” (Sept 3).
Nuclear power has often been described as a “double-edged sword”. It offers the promise of reliable and low-carbon energy. However, the prospect of setting up a nuclear power plant or a small modular reactor (SMR) in Singapore's setting also raises concerns about safety, waste disposal and costs.
In a small and densely populated country like Singapore, we could expect these concerns to be magnified. A single incident could have consequences for the whole nation.
While it is a step in the right direction to begin with caution and conduct a rigorous study before considering deployment, it is equally important to look beyond technical feasibility, regardless of whether Singapore eventually decides to establish a small modular reactor.
The key to any future consideration of nuclear energy is public confidence.
Technology alone cannot win acceptance because citizens need to feel assured that safety will never be compromised, that emergency measures are in place, and that waste will be responsibly managed.
Other countries that have successfully incorporated nuclear power into their energy mix invested heavily in communication and transparency. They engaged citizens through open forums, education campaigns and clear reporting of incidents, no matter how minor.
Singapore should take a similar path. If nuclear power is to be seriously considered, public understanding must be established early, not only after decisions are made.
As we pursue cleaner energy options, it is also important to weigh nuclear energy against alternatives such as solar, hydrogen, or regional power grids. A balanced and diversified energy strategy will give Singapore resilience in an uncertain world.
Nuclear energy may one day play a pivotal role in our energy future. But whether it does so will depend not just on technology, but also on trust. Open discussions, honest communication and shared understanding will be just as vital as scientific studies.