Singapore will undergo an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review in 2027 to assess its ability to make an informed decision on nuclear power, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the country’s long-term exploration of the controversial energy source. The review will examine whether Singapore has the institutional, technical and regulatory capacity to responsibly evaluate nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix, rather than immediately committing to deployment.
Speaking at the Energy Market Authority’s 25th anniversary dinner, Wong stressed that the process does not signal a decision to adopt nuclear power. Instead, it forms part of a phased evaluation under the IAEA’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review framework, which helps countries assess readiness across multiple stages of nuclear development. He emphasised that safety remains Singapore’s overriding priority, noting that the country’s small size and dense urban environment leave “no margin for error” when it comes to nuclear risks.
The IAEA review process includes multiple phases, beginning with infrastructure readiness and extending to potential bidding, construction, commissioning and operation of a nuclear facility. Singapore is currently preparing for the first phase, which will involve a self-assessment across 19 key areas such as radioactive waste management, emergency preparedness, environmental safeguards, human resource development and financing frameworks. The country expects the main review mission to take place in 2027, followed by a published report detailing findings, recommendations and potential gaps.
Wong acknowledged that nuclear energy development is a long-term undertaking, often requiring more than 15 years from planning to operation. He also highlighted that Singapore must evaluate not only reactor technology but the entire supporting ecosystem, including regulation, security systems, emergency response capability and waste disposal solutions. He added that the government will remain transparent throughout the process and share findings publicly, even if they ultimately suggest that nuclear energy is not suitable for Singapore.
The move comes amid renewed regional and global interest in nuclear power, particularly with advances in small modular reactor technology, which is seen as a potentially safer and more flexible alternative to traditional nuclear plants. Several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, have already undergone early-stage IAEA assessments, while Vietnam has advanced plans for nuclear development with Russian cooperation.
Wong also noted broader energy security pressures, including recent geopolitical disruptions and the global shift toward decarbonisation, which have strengthened interest in nuclear energy’s stable output and low carbon emissions. He pointed out that nuclear power offers high energy density and price stability compared to fossil fuels, with even small amounts of fuel capable of producing large-scale electricity generation.
At the same time, Singapore continues to rely heavily on imported natural gas, which accounts for about 95 per cent of its electricity generation. While gas will remain the backbone of its energy system for now, the government is actively diversifying its energy sources through solar expansion, regional electricity imports and research into hydrogen and geothermal energy. Officials are also reviewing market frameworks to support cross-border electricity trade, balancing affordability with the need for long-term investment certainty for developers.
Wong concluded that there is no single solution to Singapore’s energy challenges, describing the transition as a complex balancing act involving cost, reliability and sustainability. He said the next 25 years of energy planning would be even more challenging than the previous decades, underscoring the importance of early preparation and resilient long-term strategy.
