New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety

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SINGAPORE - With discussions on nuclear energy progressing around the world, Singapore is now building its expertise in this area with the launch of a new nuclear research and safety institute.
On July 11, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) was launched with an expanded research scope, additional funding and an aim to train 100 nuclear experts by 2030 – up from the 50 today.
The institute's predecessor was the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, which did not have its own building.
There are at least two benefits of training Singapore's own pool of talent in this area.
First, it could help Singapore better assess the suitability of deploying nuclear reactors here.
Given different geographies, countries will have different access to energy resources.
Some may be more endowed with renewable energy resources, such as wind or solar, compared with other nations that may have to look to alternatives such as nuclear or geothermal energy.
Even for countries considering nuclear energy, what works in one location may not work in another.
This is where it is essential to have talent with a keen understanding of local constraints and considerations, to be able to properly assess the risks and benefits of incorporating nuclear energy into the energy mix.
Second, given that other countries in South-east Asia have indicated interest in tapping nuclear energy, local capabilities will put Singapore in a better position to understand the technology. This could improve national response to any radiological incidents in the region, should they occur.
Five Asean countries – Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand – have said they are either studying the feasibility of advanced nuclear technology to meet their growing energy needs, or already have plans to build new reactors in the coming decades.
Dr Michael Short, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's department of nuclear science and engineering, said the new institute will better help Singapore assess risks from regional nuclear facilities, and domestic ones as well if the Republic decides to deploy them.
'If Singapore doesn't build up nuclear expertise, it will be left both behind and at unknown risk of issues from Asean neighbours,' he said.
But if the country were to build up its domestic capabilities in nuclear, it could boost its domestic risk assessments, and ensure greater safety for the region.
Dr Victor Nian, founding co-chairman of independent think-tank Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources, said the launch of the institute is important for Singapore to 'accelerate its capacity building' in nuclear energy.
SNRSI can help advance Singapore's collective knowledge in nuclear energy, he said.
The institute can also help Singapore get plugged into international nuclear dialogues and collaborations, which could boost the Republic's engagement in nuclear research and public engagement.
The launch of the institute is a significant step forward in the nation's approach to nuclear energy.
In 2012, Singapore had initially considered atomic power unsuitable for the small island state.
Dr Alvin Chew, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at NTU, said Singapore had mooted the idea of nuclear energy deployment almost two decades ago to shore up its energy resilience.
But large conventional nuclear fission plants, which are the predominant types in operation currently, were not suitable for the densely populated country.
Under regulations set by the UN atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, an emergency planning zone outside the facility is needed for the location of a nuclear power plant, he said.
Since then, there have been multiple advancements from Singapore's original position.
In particular, small modular reactors (SMRs) gained traction in the mid-2010s, said Dr Chew.
These reactors are thought to be more suitable for land-scarce, population-dense Singapore, as they have a lower power capacity, enhanced safety standards and require much smaller buffer zones, compared with conventional reactors.
'Therefore, Singapore is keeping the nuclear option open as SMRs will be deployed in the near future,' Dr Chew said.
In 2022, a report by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) mentioned that emerging technology, including nuclear and geothermal, could potentially supply around 10 per cent of Singapore's energy needs by 2050.
EMA, which monitors emerging energy technologies, has also gone on trips to other countries such as Britain and Germany to learn from the best minds in nuclear energy.
Singapore has also signed agreements with other countries to learn more about the nuclear technologies and scientific research.
The new institute marks the next step in the country's journey: From a horizon scan of emerging nuclear technologies to investing in its own capabilities for research.
Safety will continue to be a focus.
This is key, since the impacts of a nuclear accident would be more consequential in densely populated areas like in Singapore, said Dr Chew.
For example, the new five-storey building will have nuclear safety simulation labs, where researchers create computer software to model virtual replicas of advanced reactors and run accident scenarios to assess their risks and what could happen during a meltdown.
Studies are also done in radiobiology labs to assess the effects of chronic, low-dose radiation on the human body.
Dr Dinita Setyawati, a senior energy analyst at energy think-tank Ember, said the nuclear safety research signals to the public that any potential deployment is grounded in scientific evidence and robust safety standards.
This could go some way in establishing long-term public trust.
Experts have said that engagement with the public on the risks and benefits of nuclear energy is critical, as public perception could influence policy decisions.
A good starting point to gauge public perception would be to carry out surveys to understand the public's level of awareness, as well as opinion, on the use of nuclear energy.
Encouragingly, the new institute will have facilities for exhibitions and tours for the public to teach people about radiation and nuclear technologies, and dispel common misconceptions.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
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