Singapore shows readiness for nuclear power, could collaborate with Asean countries: IAEA chief

Singapore has the potential to embark on nuclear power in the coming years, possibly in cooperation with other Asean countries, said the director-general of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.

“My personal impression is that within a few years, you will see your first nuclear power (project) – be it small or bigger – and perhaps in a wider sense, in combination or cooperation with your Asean neighbors,” said Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday (Jul 25).

Grossi was speaking at a dialogue on nuclear power and safety at the National University of Singapore, organised by the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute.

He believes that Singapore is “prepared to host nuclear power relatively soon”, given its technological expertise and institutional maturity, as well as its decarbonisation goals.

The Republic is currently studying advanced nuclear power technologies but has not decided whether to pursue nuclear power.

Singapore could be “the most perfect example of a country that needs nuclear energy,” said Grossi, citing how land constraints make renewable options such as wind power challenging.

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Regional cooperation on nuclear power is “not impossible”, he added, citing how Slovenia and Croatia have “very successfully” collaborated on a nuclear power plant.

Many Asean economies are exploring nuclear power, albeit in different ways, depending on their individual economies. “All of them are saying we want nuclear energy; how can we get it?” noted Grossi.

Asked whether the recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia could affect nuclear power ambitions in Asean, Grossi acknowledged that the world is “increasingly fragmented”.

“But in parallel with that, we have a number of very positive developments in energy, in industry, in infrastructure all over the world.

“So the fact that we have conflict does not affect the reality that our economies continue moving – and nuclear power is part of that,” he said.

He cited the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) as a promising trend, as they could offer an “off-the-rack” option for nuclear power.

“Let’s imagine, if this technology succeeds, and we see it being applied in many countries… it can be transported even by truck, lorry or barge… it’s a completely different scenario than a traditional nuclear power plant,” said Grossi.