Forum: Nuclear energy deserves serious consideration for Singapore’s sustainable future
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In Singapore’s push for cleaner, more sustainable living, our energy sources must keep pace with our ambitions. Most electric vehicles or EVs, household appliances, and industries still rely on electricity generated from natural gas – a fossil fuel.
As our economy grows and demand rises, our limited land, sea space, and sunshine pose real constraints on how far solar and wind can take us. This is why I believe it is timely to reconsider nuclear energy as part of our sustainable future.
Like many, I once associated the word “nuclear” with danger and disaster... But with modern reactor designs, improved safety protocols and rigorous oversight, nuclear power today is far safer and more efficient than many realise. Globally, countries such as France and South Korea have relied on nuclear energy safely for years, while the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah plant has achieved over 100 million safe man-hours under IAEA supervision.
In Budget 2025, the Government announced it would study nuclear deployment potential, with the Energy Market Authority now commissioning feasibility work on small modular reactors (SMRs). According to the EMA’s Energy 2050 Report, next-generation technologies like SMRs could supply up to 10 per cent of our future energy needs by 2050. Credit is due to the authority and government leaders for commissioning new studies and investing in advanced energy research. Of course, public trust and safety must come first. Transparent risk assessments, collaboration with global experts and clear communication will be key to confidence in any nuclear plans.
Nuclear power is not a silver bullet, but it does deserve an informed conversation – one guided by science and Singapore’s spirit of resilience.
Adren Sim
