New institute will grow Singapore's talent in nuclear energy, safety

It could help the country better assess suitability of deploying reactors here

- Chin Hui Shan

With discussions on nuclear energy progressing around the world, Singapore is now building its expertise in this area with the launch of a new nuclear research and safety institute.

On July 11, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute was launched with an expanded research scope, additional funding and an aim to train 100 nuclear experts by 2030 – up from the 50 today.

The institute's predecessor was the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, which did not have its own building.

There are at least two benefits of training Singapore's own pool of talent in this area.

First, it could help Singapore better assess the suitability of deploying nuclear reactors here.

Given different geographies, countries will have different access to energy resources.

Some may be more endowed with renewable energy resources, such as wind or solar, compared with other nations that may have to look to alternatives such as nuclear or geothermal energy.

Even for countries considering nuclear energy, what works in one location may not work in another.

This is where it is essential to have talent with a keen understanding of local constraints and considerations, to be able to properly assess the risks and benefits of incorporating nuclear energy into the energy mix.

Second, given that other countries in South-east Asia have indicated interest in tapping nuclear energy, local capabilities will put Singapore in a better position to understand the technology. This could improve national response to any radiological incidents in the region, should they occur.