Singapore Could Have Nuclear Energy 'Within a Few Years' If It Decides on It, Says IAEA Chief

Should Singapore decide in the future to adopt nuclear energy, the country could tap the energy source "within a few years" from that point, said the UN nuclear watchdog chief on July 25.

- Shabana Begum

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general Rafael Grossi said small modular advanced reactors are one option for the island state.

Singapore could also potentially develop a plant in collaboration with another country in Asean, he added.

Small modular reactors are advanced and compact reactors that can be factory-assembled and installed in dense urban areas. They are also known to be safer than traditional large reactors, but are now mainly still in a research phase.

Mr Grossi was responding to a question on what advice he has for city states considering tapping nuclear energy, after delivering a lecture on developments in atomic energy and nuclear security at NUS. "Singapore does well in looking into nuclear energy, and my personal impression is that within a few years, you will see your first nuclear power plant... and perhaps in combination or cooperation with your Asean neighbours," said Mr Grossi.

He pointed to a successful joint venture nuclear plant between Slovenia and Croatia, set up in Slovenia. The Krsko power plant, a traditional reactor, provides for a quarter of Slovenia's electricity needs and 16 per cent of Croatia's.

Mr Grossi is in Singapore as part of the S R Nathan Fellowship, a high-level programme for foreign leaders and prominent individuals to visit the country.

During his one-day visit to Singapore, Mr Grossi met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.