Explainer: Why Singapore is exploring nuclear energy and what needs to happen before plans get underway

Explainer: Why Singapore is exploring nuclear energy and what needs to happen before plans get underway

The option has always been on the table: A 2022 EMA-commissioned report on Singapore’s energy future stated that nuclear energy could supply about a tenth of the country’s energy needs by 2050. Small modular reactors are advanced nuclear reactors with about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. They harness nuclear fission to produce energy, and their modular nature makes it possible for its systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.

Nuclear energy is derived from the nucleus or core of an atom, where a huge amount of energy holds the atom’s dense nucleus together. A high amount of heat energy is harnessed on altering the atomic structure of radioactive elements such as uranium. However, Dr Nian said that the nuclear industry may also be seen as competing with some existing domestic industries such as the fossil fuel industries in this regard.

Experts said that there are now newer reactors and technologies such as small modular reactors, which require a smaller emergency planning zone due to its higher levels of safety.from its decaying fission product.so external systems are not needed to cool it down. As for radioactive waste generated from a nuclear power plant, Dr Guet said that a way to possibly combat this would be by exploring an underground set-up.

He added that these are just planning parameters outlined by IAEA and the reality is that the safety radius could be even bigger, which raises questions on“And advanced technologies or novel platforms will take time to clock substantive operating track records for them to be developed into safety, security and safeguards standards by the IAEA,” he explained.

“Therefore, the safeguard component of nuclear energy is critical, which is why several advanced reactors that are not designed in accordance with the safeguard principles will never be commercialised and deployed in Singapore.” Dr Chew added.

Energy Energy Latest News, Energy Energy Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Singapore Discovery Centre becomes first energy-positive museum in SingaporeThe Singapore Discovery Centre is the first museum in Singapore to generate more electricity than it consumes. The decades-old attraction became energy-positive after generating about 30 per cent more energy on average than it needed from October to February.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »