Singapore is ramping up efforts to assess the viability of nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy strategy. Following a 2022 report suggesting that emerging nuclear technologies could supply up to 10% of the country's energy needs by 2050, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) has launched a year-long study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies. The study, which follows Singapore’s 2024 civil nuclear cooperation agreements with the United States, Sweden, and the UAE, will focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) and other next generation designs that offer enhanced safety features and a smaller land footprint.
This initiative aligns with broader regional interest in nuclear energy backed by U.S. policy and technical support, as countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia explore SMRs to diversify their energy sources. Singapore’s nuclear push also complements its recent $5 billion investment in the Future Energy Fund, aimed at accelerating energy transition efforts. With its heavy reliance on imported natural gas, Singapore is positioning itself at the forefront of clean energy innovation while ensuring long-term energy security. Much of this enthusiasm and investment can be garnered from the U.S. private sector which can offer not only heavy equipment and policy guidance, but also safety, standards, and maintenance training and skills-development.
