KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 27): Singapore has released a background paper to engage the public on the potential of nuclear power in the tiny island city-state, according to multiple press reports.
“Nuclear energy has the potential to be a safe, reliable, and cost-competitive option for Singapore,” Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng was quoted as saying by The Business Times in his opening speech at an annual energy conference.
The government is “seriously studying” the potential deployment of nuclear energy, especially newer technologies such as small modular reactors, Tan was cited as saying by CNA.
The background paper released on Monday covers Singapore’s capability-building, technology considerations and providing an overview of its interests in nuclear energy as a power source.
Singapore has been taking steps to study the potential of nuclear energy. A pre-feasibility study by the government released in 2012 concluded that conventional large nuclear power plants at that time were not suited for Singapore's small and densely populated circumstances.
The government has also formed dedicated nuclear energy teams within key agencies: the Nuclear Energy Office in Energy Market Authority and the Nuclear Safety Division in the National Environment Agency, Singapore’s Business Times reported.
Malaysia has similarly expressed its interest in considering nuclear power. In August, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said a feasibility study was underway to assess nuclear power in the country.