Singapore may move toward nuclear energy development in the coming years, potentially in collaboration with other ASEAN nations, according to Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Speaking at a nuclear power and safety forum hosted by the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute on July 25, Grossi said he sees Singapore as being technologically and institutionally ready to host nuclear energy projects, especially given its decarbonization goals.
Though no official decision has been made, Singapore is currently evaluating advanced nuclear technologies. Grossi suggested that its limited land area makes it a strong candidate for nuclear energy, as options like wind power are not as viable.
He also pointed to regional collaboration, noting that ASEAN countries are all expressing interest in nuclear power. He drew comparisons to successful bilateral nuclear partnerships, such as between Slovenia and Croatia.
Indonesia is targeting its first nuclear plant for the mid-2030s, while firms across ASEAN are beginning to assess nuclear projects. Despite political tensions in parts of the region, Grossi emphasized that energy development continues globally and nuclear remains a key part of that momentum.
Grossi highlighted small modular reactors (SMRs) as a transformative advancement. Their compact design and transportability could reshape how nuclear energy is implemented worldwide.
Beyond ASEAN, interest in nuclear power is rising in regions like Africa and China. China, in particular, is constructing 26 new reactors and may soon surpass France in the number of nuclear plants, second only to the United States.
Separately, Singapore renewed its Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) agreement with the IAEA. The initiative supports nuclear science training for developing member states through fellowships, site visits, and courses. It covers areas such as human health, industrial radiography, and environmental monitoring.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to high nuclear safety standards and active participation in global knowledge sharing.
The previous TCTP round trained over 140 participants from 27 countries in fields including nuclear medicine, law, and food safety.
