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[SINGAPORE] Singapore has the potential to embark on nuclear power in the coming years, possibly in cooperation with other Asean countries, said the director-general of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.

“My personal impression is that within a few years, you will see your first nuclear power (project) – be it small or bigger – and perhaps in a wider sense, in combination or cooperation with your Asean neighbors,” said Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday (Jul 25).

Grossi was speaking at a dialogue on nuclear power and safety at the National University of Singapore, organised by the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute.

He believes that Singapore is “prepared to host nuclear power relatively soon”, given its technological expertise and the maturity of its institutions, as well as its decarbonisation goals.

The Republic is currently studying advanced nuclear power technologies, but has not decided whether or not to pursue nuclear power.

Singapore could be “the most perfect example of a country that needs nuclear energy”, said Grossi, citing how land constraints make renewable options such as wind power challenging.

Regional cooperation on nuclear power is “not impossible”, he added, citing how Slovenia and Croatia have “very successfully” collaborated on a nuclear power plant.

Many Asean economies are exploring nuclear power, albeit in different ways, depending on their individual economies. “All of them are saying we want nuclear energy; how can we get it?” noted Grossi.

Indonesia is planning to commission its first nuclear power plant in the mid-2030s, while companies in other Asean countries are starting to look into nuclear projects.

Asked whether the recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia could affect nuclear power ambitions in Asean, Grossi acknowledged that the world is “increasingly fragmented”.

“But in parallel with that, we have a number of very positive developments in energy, in industry, in infrastructure all over the world…

“So the fact that we have conflict does not affect the reality that our economies continue moving – and nuclear power is part of that,” he said.

While nuclear power is capital-intensive at the outset, cost is not the sole “defining factor” on whether countries choose to adopt it, as the need for energy security also plays a part.

Grossi cited the development of small modular reactors as a promising trend, as they could offer an “off-the-rack” option for nuclear power.

“Let’s imagine, if this technology succeeds, and we see it being applied in many countries… it can be transported even by truck, lorry or barge… it’s a completely different scenario than a traditional nuclear power plant,” he said.

Besides Asean, there is also growing interest in nuclear power in Africa, as well as China, which is building 26 new nuclear power plants. Grossi expects that China may soon overtake France in having the second-largest number of nuclear reactors, after the US.

Renewed training deal

Separately, Singapore renewed an agreement with the IAEA to develop training programmes in nuclear science and technology for developing IAEA member states.

The renewed Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) will include fellowships, scientific visits and training courses. It will cover topics such as human health, industrial radiography, and environmental radioactivity monitoring and analysis.

Singapore strongly supports the IAEA’s focus on building global capability in nuclear safety, said Grace Fu, minister for sustainability and the environment, who signed the renewed agreement with Grossi on Friday.

“As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore actively participates in the IAEA’s work to promote and uphold high standards of nuclear safety,” she said in a statement.

The previous edition of the TCTP trained more than 140 participants from 27 countries. Topics covered included nuclear medicine, nuclear law, food safety and pest control.