Written reply to PQ on safety criteria framework study on decision-making process for nuclear energy deployment

Question:

Mr Lee Hong Chuang: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in light of Singapore's exploration of nuclear energy and the commissioning of a safety study (a) what criteria will determine any deployment decision; and (b) whether the study's findings will be made public. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  The Government has not made any decision on deploying nuclear energy in Singapore. Any decision to deploy new energy technologies will need to be considered against the technology’s safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability in Singapore’s context.

2.                  Agencies have commissioned studies to support their analysis of various aspects of nuclear energy deployment. The National Environment Agency recently launched tenders for three studies to examine international safety standards, international environmental standards and regulatory frameworks for nuclear facilities, and environmental considerations for the potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore and the region. The Energy Market Authority also commenced a study with Mott MacDonald in September 2025 to evaluate the safety performance and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies.

3.                  We will continue to update the public from time to time, so as to enhance Singaporeans’ understanding of nuclear energy, and increase public awareness of the capabilities Singapore is building up to enable us to take a considered decision on whether to deploy nuclear energy.