Regional Nuclear: Singapore to undergo IAEA review as part of nuclear energy assessment

By Romel S. Gurky

Singapore will undergo an international nuclear infrastructure assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency starting in 2027 as part of efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness to make informed decisions on potential future deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies.

The Singapore government said the assessment, known as the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Phase 1 Mission, will examine the country’s capabilities in areas related to nuclear safety, radioactive waste management and emergency preparedness.

The review forms part of Singapore’s broader efforts to study whether advanced nuclear technologies could play a role in supporting the country’s long-term decarbonization strategy.

Singapore said it has been progressively building capabilities in nuclear science, technology and regulation in line with international best practices, although no decision has been made on adopting nuclear power.

The INIR Phase 1 Mission will assess Singapore’s progress based on the IAEA’s Milestones Approach, an internationally recognized framework covering 19 areas considered necessary for countries evaluating nuclear energy deployment.

The Singapore government said the review would help validate whether its capability development efforts are progressing appropriately and enable the IAEA to provide more tailored support in the future.

Read also: Indonesia finalizes regulation to launch nuclear power plant partner selection

Singapore said it would continue monitoring global developments in advanced nuclear technologies while working with international partners to strengthen expertise in nuclear safety and regulation.

“Any decision to deploy nuclear energy will be carefully considered against its safety, reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability in Singapore’s context,” the government said in a statement.

The initiative involves several Singapore agencies, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Energy Market Authority and National Environment Agency.

Singapore currently relies heavily on imported natural gas for electricity generation and has been exploring low-carbon energy alternatives, including renewable energy imports, hydrogen and advanced nuclear technologies, to support its net-zero emissions ambitions.

Editing by Alexander Ginting