Asian state considering deployment of small modular reactors
Singapore has appointed a UK-based engineering firm to study if it can safely deploy nuclear power technology.
Consultancy Mott MacDonald will study the commercial readiness of small modular reactors and other nuclear technologies for the gas-dependent island-republic, according to a statement from the Energy Market Authority.
“Any decision to deploy nuclear energy will need to be carefully considered against its safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability in Singapore’s context,” the EMA said.
Singapore is studying advanced nuclear power technologies, but has not decided whether or not to pursue nuclear power.
The move comes as countries around the world look to nuclear to reach emissions targets and fuel industries such as artificial intelligence. In Southeast Asia, nations including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are considering the deployment of reactors.
International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi said recently that Singapore could become a leading example of the benefits of stable, low-carbon energy solutions like nuclear power with interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region “real and promising”.
PT Thorcon Power Indonesia, a subsidiary of Thorcon International, a Singapore-based nuclear project development company, has submitted documents to Indonesia’s nuclear regulator, initiating the licensing process for the construction of what could become the Asian nation’s first commercial nuclear power plant.
