Singapore to tap experts in study on safety of advanced nuclear technologies

Move part of push to assess viability of nuclear energy here in longer term: EMA

- Shabana Begum

The Republic is stepping up efforts to determine if nuclear energy is viable for the country, following national assessments that emerging nuclear technologies could be suitable for the island state even if conventional ones are not.

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) wants to tap expert knowledge to study the safety performance of various advanced nuclear technologies being developed globally, The Sunday Times has learnt.

In a tender released on government procurement website GeBiz in December 2024, EMA called for proposals from consultants to conduct a year-long study on this issue.

"This consultancy study is part of our efforts to build capabilities to assess the viability of nuclear energy for Singapore in the longer term," EMA added.

Singapore, which in 2012 decided that atomic power was unsuitable for the small island state, is warming up to it as advanced technologies are making the controversial energy source safer. In 2022, a study showed it was feasible for Singapore's carbon-intensive energy sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with nuclear energy supplying about 10 per cent of the country's energy needs.

The initial pre-tender stage for the study closed on Jan 17 with 24 applicants.

They include engineering consultant Arup Singapore, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Surbana Jurong Consultants and KPMG Services. A few are overseas-based entities such as German engineering services company TÜV SÜD Energietechnik GmbH Baden-Württemberg.

Up to 10 applicants will be shortlisted for the tender stage. In response to ST queries, EMA said it aims to begin the year-long study in the coming months, and more details of the tender will be revealed to those shortlisted.