S’pore to explore nuclear power as future energy source: PM Wong

[curiosity_20]

There are currently no fully operational commercial fusion reactors. The technology is still in development, and while significant progress has been made, practical fusion power remains a long-term goal.

When the boom comes, it will come like AI...now is Fusion Power winter..

 

[Hello_Kitty]

the good thing is maybe FT won’t come to work here as they scare

 

[ballastic90]

Jin high tech

 

[Canis Lupus]

Guys, no need think so hard la.

The following from chat gpt, with search and reasoning:
~~~~~~~~~~
If Singapore were to actively pursue nuclear power, it would need to address two key challenges:

1. ensuring safety in a densely populated, land‐constrained environment, and

2. achieving cost efficiency despite the high capital outlays typically associated with nuclear projects.

Here are several strategies Singapore could adopt:

1. Leveraging Advanced Reactor Technologies​

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
• Enhanced Safety: SMRs are designed with passive safety systems that rely on natural physical processes (like gravity and natural circulation) to shut down safely in the event of an emergency. Their smaller core and lower power density reduce the risks of catastrophic accidents.
• Scalability & Flexibility: SMRs allow for incremental capacity additions. Instead of building one massive reactor, Singapore could deploy a series of smaller units that can be added as demand grows. This “plug and play” approach also minimizes the impact of any single unit failure.
• Modular Manufacturing: Factory-based construction of standardized SMR modules could significantly reduce onsite construction time and associated costs. This approach benefits from economies of series production rather than the traditional one-off construction of large reactors.

2. Establishing a Robust Regulatory Framework and International Partnerships​

Regulatory Readiness:
• Singapore would need to develop or enhance a stringent regulatory framework tailored to its unique urban and maritime context. This framework should be aligned with international best practices from bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Rigorous site selection studies, comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and detailed emergency response plans would be essential to ensure public safety.

International Collaboration:
• By partnering with countries that have mature nuclear industries (e.g. the United States, United Kingdom, or France) and leveraging established expertise, Singapore can fast-track the development of local capabilities.
• Such partnerships can also facilitate technology transfers and provide access to proven safety protocols, ultimately reducing both technical and financial risks.

3. Innovative Siting and Deployment Strategies​

Offshore or Floating Reactors:
• One innovative approach could involve offshore or floating nuclear power plants. These designs can be deployed in open waters, thereby mitigating risks associated with proximity to high population densities on land.
• Floating reactors have been piloted in other regions and could offer Singapore an option that circumvents land-use constraints while still providing reliable baseload power.

4. Economic Measures and Financing Innovations​

Standardization & Volume Manufacturing:
• Achieving cost efficiency largely depends on reducing construction and operational costs. Modular, standardized reactor designs that can be mass-produced offsite offer a pathway to lower costs over time.
• If Singapore can secure a high-volume order—either by itself or as part of a regional consortium—learning curve effects and economies of scale could drive down the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).

Long-Term Financing & Government Incentives:
• Government support, in the form of research funding, favorable financing terms, or subsidies (as seen in other nations' approaches to advanced nuclear projects), can lower risk premiums and attract private investment.
• Leveraging international financing mechanisms and tapping into multilateral funds dedicated to low-carbon energy could further help offset the initial high capital costs.

In Summary​

If Singapore “wants” to go nuclear, it could do so safely and cost efficiently by:

• Adopting advanced reactor technologies like SMRs, which are inherently safer and allow for incremental capacity additions.
• Establishing a robust, internationally aligned regulatory framework while building local expertise through strategic global partnerships.
• Exploring innovative deployment strategies such as offshore or floating reactors to overcome land constraints.
• Focusing on modular design and standardized, volume manufacturing to reduce construction and operational costs, complemented by government incentives and smart financing.

By integrating these approaches, Singapore could potentially incorporate nuclear power into its low-carbon energy mix in a manner that meets its unique safety, spatial, and economic challenges.

Overeliance on ChatGPT is another Pandora's Box on it's own.

 

[PapaWith3Kids]

Trust me, Singapore is so good that we will make the reactor premise into a tourist attraction and still charge people for visiting

 

[CaiPuDan]

Mrt cannot run smoothly still want to tok nuclear power. nuclear powder can consider.

 

[Canis Lupus]

Imagine getting radiation sickness from poi, mo tells to dun chao keng and jiak panadol

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_iodide

 

[Hot_Dog]

how bout tis, govt, go buy a lithium mine and use the lithium to produce hydrogen with water, ship those hydrogen back to SG to boil water. how can anot ah?

 

[curiosity_20]

any skillsfuture course on nuclear energy?

i'm a huge supporter of green energy intiatives

By Green Energy do you mean this:

 

[Hello_Kitty]

Overeliance on ChatGPT is another Pandora's Box on it's own.

chat gpt can run the nuclear power station safely without mistakes

 

[Tschuus]

There are currently no fully operational commercial fusion reactors. The technology is still in development, and while significant progress has been made, practical fusion power remains a long-term goal.

The old joke was fusion is always 50 years away.

But jokes aside, in recent years, breakthrough in material, magnetism, containment led some scientists to believe that we should be able to build a commercial fusion reactor by 2045. A plant in 2050. The number of breakthroughs in fusion is reported in many countries , in recent years is almost on a monthly basis, i think this projection is real.

 

[Tschuus]

Lawrence...we need to talk.

Can we first talk about nuclear waste disposal before jumping the gun to build the nuclear reactors..

Nuclear energy is a very touchy subject. Is nuclear energy truly clean when the by-product are dangerous radioactive elements?

I wish people would stop marketing nuclear as "clean energy" already. Wait for Fusion ok?

There was a time when Asbestos was marketing as the wonder material.

Edmwer think they know more then nuclear scientists .

 

[aarontansp]

If war/argument how, and neighbours threaten to bomb nuclear facility? We will forever be pinned down? How have anti bunker bombs too, build underground also not safe.

 

[ghregular]

i support nuke
dont wait
dont hesitate
if possible
cook some nukes

 

[Lchlch]

Wow, our future gen will hv to pay ten over times more than what we currently paying the pub bills.
Jialet.

 

[zhiguzai]

Building a nuclear power plant will be the best cooling measure for our property price. Well done Singapore.

 

[JivBunny]

For safety operating in cities and all, SMRs still need to have a buffer zone built in, up to around 20km…..where do we find space to do that?

 

[charsiewfan]

Only support if can bring the electricity price to below $0.10 per kwh

 

[hardindex]

Only support if can bring the electricity price to below $0.10 per kwh

Wait long long, they will import till 20mil and build many data centre and we still have to pay more than others

 

[grevq80o]

PM Wong said that Singapore had to meet clean power demands to sustain energy-intensive industries.

Singapore studying nuclear power as part of clean energy strategy according to Budget 2025​

In his Budget 2025 statement on 18 Feb, Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong announced that Singapore will study the potential use of nuclear power to meet the country’s growing energy needs.

Image courtesy of MDDI

Last year, the Singapore government signed agreements with the United States (US) for cooperation on civil nuclear energy and is currently exploring similar partnerships with other countries experienced in nuclear power.

PM Wong said that cooperating with other countries with experience in this field would allow the government to consider deploying nuclear power in a safe and cost-effective way.

Source: lanasphotos on Canva, for illustration purposes only

Meeting rising energy demands with clean solution​

According to PM Wong, the industries of the future–including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and biopharmaceuticals–are extremely energy-intensive, resulting in growing energy needs.

At the same time, the country is committed to reducing carbon emissions and securing cleaner energy sources.

As such, Singapore requires enough clean energy to meet these demands without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

The more conventional options such as hydro, wind, and solar power did not fit Singapore due to a lack of land and natural resources.

Potential solutions other than nuclear power include the importation of low-carbon electricity or the use of green hydrogen.

However, these choices come with their own downsides and challenges in sustainability compared to nuclear energy.

Source: Energy Market Authority

Advancements in nuclear technology make it a viable option​

Back in 2010, Singapore ruled out conventional nuclear technologies as unsuitable for local use due to safety concerns.

However, PM Wong noted that advancements, particularly in safer small modular reactors (SMRs), have made nuclear energy a more feasible option today.

Source: Science

Several regional countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are also planning to incorporate nuclear power into their energy mix.

To support Singapore’s transition to cleaner energy, Budget 2025 includes a S$5 billion top-up for the Future Energy Fund, aimed at investing in sustainable energy infrastructure.

Featured image courtesy of MDDI and adapted from lanasphotos on Canva, for illustration purposes only.

Rast time peepur say EV is clean energy, end up it pollutes more than ICE cars. And is relatively cleaner if they are used in a certain way.

Now even more far fetched is to say nuclear is clean energy because it doesn't involve carbon. What Abt the waste that cannot be destroyed? PAP wants others to start pointing to these radioactive wastes are dirty then they will start acknowledging the dirtiness of this technology.

No doubt it will satisfy PAP 's profilgacy towards energy consumption everywhere... Nuclear is not clean.