This is a full version of NEA’-EMA's joint reply issued to the media agency; published in Lianhe Zaobao 8 Jun 2026.
Nuclear Energy among low-carbon options studied for Singapore
We thank Mr Dou Yong for his letter “Should Singapore develop nuclear energy?” (Lianhe Zaobao, 28 May).
We appreciate Mr Dou for highlighting the energy trilemma that Singapore faces in ensuring energy supply remains reliable, affordable and sustainable.
As a resource‑constrained and alternative-energy disadvantaged country, we have to diversify our energy sources and study all options in order to strengthen our energy security while reducing our carbon emissions. We will maximise the adoption of more mature technologies such as solar energy, while we explore the potential of other low-carbon technologies such as advanced nuclear fission technologies.
Safety remains our overriding priority when considering nuclear energy, particularly given Singapore’s context as a small, densely populated city-state. We are taking a cautious approach in studying the potential of deploying nuclear energy and will be guided by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Milestone Approach and international best practices. This includes building capabilities in nuclear science and safety, and embarking on Phase 1 of the IAEA’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) in 2027. Through the INIR, independent experts will assess Singapore’s expertise, institutions and frameworks against global best practices, and identify areas for further work.
We will study nuclear energy rigorously and systematically. This includes tracking developments in advanced nuclear technologies, strengthening our research and technical capabilities, and engaging international nuclear institutions and regulators on safety and regulation. We will keep the public informed throughout the INIR process and share the IAEA’s findings openly, including any risks and challenges, as well as the overall assessment of Singapore’s readiness.
While fusion energy has potential safety advantages over nuclear fission, it remains at a very nascent stage with no certainty as to when it will be ready for deployment at scale. The Government continues to monitor developments in fusion energy, including through supporting R&D efforts, and when the technology is more mature, we will consider its feasibility for Singapore.
Together, these efforts support Singapore’s broader study of low-carbon energy pathways to safeguard our long-term energy security.
Eugene Toh 卓名宏
Assistant Chief Executive, Energy Technologies Division 能源科技司助理局长
Energy Market Authority能源市场管理局
Ang Kok Kiat 洪国杰
Group Director, Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group 辐射保护与核科司司长
National Environment Agency 国家环境局