Singapore will launch an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review led by the International Atomic Energy Agency to assess its readiness for nuclear energy deployment.
The move marks a significant shift in the city-state's energy strategy as it seeks to diversify its power sources to meet long-term climate goals. Because Singapore has limited land and no natural fossil fuel reserves, the government is exploring whether nuclear power is a viable path toward energy security.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the initiative during the Energy Market Authority's 25th-anniversary gala dinner on May 19, 2024 [3]. The review is scheduled to begin in 2027 [1]. The process aims to determine if the country possesses the necessary expertise, institutions, and regulatory frameworks to make an informed decision regarding the adoption of nuclear power [2].
Wong said the review is a preparatory step rather than a final commitment to the technology. "Let me be clear, this is not a decision to deploy nuclear energy but a review of our readiness," Wong said.
The timeline for such a transition is extensive. The government expects the total time for the preparatory process and infrastructure development to take well over 15 years [1]. This long-term horizon reflects the complexity of establishing a nuclear program in a densely populated urban environment.
In addition to the IAEA-led review, the National Environment Agency is conducting its own research. A spokesperson for the agency said, "We are commissioning three comprehensive studies on nuclear safety and environmental protection" [4]. These studies will run alongside the broader infrastructure assessment to ensure that safety risks are fully quantified.
The review will examine the legal and administrative requirements needed to manage nuclear materials safely. This includes evaluating the workforce capabilities, and the ability to maintain international safety standards over several decades.
“"Let me be clear, this is not a decision to deploy nuclear energy but a review of our readiness."”
This initiative signals that Singapore is seriously considering nuclear energy as a solution to its energy constraints, though it is proceeding with extreme caution. By partnering with the IAEA, Singapore is leveraging international gold-standard benchmarks to mitigate the risks associated with nuclear power in a small, high-density state. The 15-year estimated timeline suggests that any actual deployment of nuclear energy would not occur until the early 2040s, placing this as a generational strategic shift rather than a short-term policy change.
