Article Date: November 16, 2025
Singapore is exploring nuclear energy, including advanced technologies such as small modular reactors, with offshore deployment under consideration.
Professor Laurence Williams, Chairman of NEA’s Nuclear Safety Advisory Panel, said offshore nuclear plants could provide greater distance from populated areas but pose challenges like workforce isolation, subsea power cable requirements, security concerns, and extreme weather.
Key considerations for deploying nuclear energy include:
- Developing technical capabilities and a skilled workforce
- Establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework
- Building public confidence through transparency and oversight
- Drawing on international best practices while tailoring solutions to Singapore
Prof Williams emphasized the importance of Singapore remaining an intelligent observer of nuclear developments in neighboring countries and determining its own tolerable level of risk before deployment.