Latest news with #SNRSI
CNA
4 days ago
- Business
- CNA
ASEAN nations can overcome space, disaster constraints in pursuit of nuclear energy: IAEA chief
SINGAPORE: As Southeast Asian nations grow their ambitions for nuclear energy to meet rising power needs and climate goals, obstacles such as natural disasters and geographical limitations can be addressed, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi said on Friday (Jul 25). Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must also disseminate more information to tackle public perceptions of nuclear energy that are influenced by past nuclear disasters such as the 2011 Fukushima incident, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said in a media interview. Mr Grossi was in Singapore on Friday as part of the S R Nathan fellowship, a high-level programme for foreign leaders and prominent individuals to visit the country. As part of his visit, Mr Grossi met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and delivered a lecture hosted by the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) at the National University of Singapore. Mr Grossi and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu then signed a renewed agreement to help developing nations build nuclear expertise through fellowships, scientific visits and training courses. Speaking to local media after the day's activities concluded, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Mr Grossi reiterated his belief that Singapore is well-placed to adopt nuclear technology as the city-state faced "no insurmountable challenges". "Singapore is a very special case, because this country, it has a fine technology base in general ... it has a mature regulator, nuclear regulator. It has very good nuclear safety research capabilities," said Mr Grossi, adding that the "institutional pillars" that are typically necessary in a newcomer country were present. "I think all of this groundwork has been done here. So in my opinion, when the country, the government, decides to move into a programme, it will be relatively fast," he added. "I don't see, as I said, any obstacle. In some countries, it will be the finance - impossible - or the lack of human capacity, workforce, you don't have those problems in Singapore. This is why I was saying at the beginning of our conversation that there are many steps, many boxes that have been checked already in Singapore." That said, Mr Grossi noted that Mr Wong and Mr Tharman had stated to him during their meetings that no decision had been made regarding the deployment of nuclear energy here. At the same time, the country has been taking steps to expand its research into nuclear safety, including the establishment of SNRSI earlier this month to further studies into this area. Singapore's renewed agreement with IAEA would also enable international nuclear experts to gather in the country to conduct capacity building activities for nuclear research, which will also benefit participants from Singapore. Nuclear power presents a potential source of clean energy and the advancement of nuclear technology, especially in the area of small modular reactors (SMR), makes it a potential option as Singapore works towards decarbonisation. In 2012, the government said that a pre-feasibility study concluded that nuclear energy technologies available at the time were not suitable for deployment as the risks still outweighed the benefits for a small and dense country like Singapore. Answering another question about Singapore's geographical limitations, Mr Grossi said that the lack of space was not a negative factor. "In case there was a deployment here, even within a limited geographical space ... there would not be any problem to have precautionary measures of any type. These measures include protocols and procedures on what to do in the event of an accident, Mr Grossi said. "The idea that introducing nuclear power generates an immediate risk ... is not sustained by reality. Of course, any technology - and nuclear is not an exception - entails risks," said Mr Grossi, adding that risks should be managed and reduced to a minimum. Asked to elaborate on why he did not see space as a limitation, Mr Grossi said that the underlying assumption was a "worst-case scenario". "I would say that, if this is the criterion, other industrial activities ... will also have negative effects in a relatively constrained space like the one here. This is why there are specific plans for that. "Let me put it this way, any geographical space is limited in some way. When you have a nuclear power plant in China, for example, of course, the country is huge, but the vicinity of the plant would also ... be affected," he said. 03:05 Min ASEAN'S AMBITIONS FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY Singapore is not alone in exploring nuclear power within the region. There are currently no operational nuclear reactors in Southeast Asia, but countries like the Philippines and Indonesia have set targets to operate nuclear power plants in the early 2030s. Nevertheless, these regions are also prone to earthquakes, which are one of the many factors the IAEA takes into consideration when dispensing advice on where to situate nuclear plants. "The IAEA has services specifically oriented at that. Where are you planning to build your nuclear power plant? And here, what comes into play is the geological situation of a place, the access to water with a number of things," Mr Grossi said. An intergovernmental organisation, the IAEA works with member states to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy. Singapore has been a member state since 1967. "The IAEA has expertise and people who are specialists in this concept called siting. So this is a very major element," Mr Grossi added. Asked if the IAEA considered a nation's political stability a key factor in letting it pursue nuclear technology, Mr Grossi replied that it was every country's "sovereign right" to decide whether it wanted to engage in a nuclear programme. However he noted that countries undergoing political turmoil would not usually engage in something that required much planning and institutional effort. Mr Grossi also said that it is up to the individual ASEAN nations to decide whether to explore nuclear energy alone without any collaboration with other countries. That said, bilateral partnerships are also possible. He referred to the example of the Krsko power plant in Slovenia, which supplies energy to both Slovenia and Croatia. This showed how two relatively small countries agreed to situate a nuclear plant in one country but split energy between both, he said. "You can imagine as many arrangements as the countries would like. Here, there is no pre-baked solution. It will depend if there is a will. So it is a dialogue that perhaps countries in ASEAN might wish to have." PUBLIC NEEDS TO BE INFORMED Mr Grossi also spoke of the importance for governments and the region to disseminate more information and for the public to familiarise itself with nuclear technology. "The reality is that all the ASEAN governments are approaching the agency and telling me that they want nuclear energy ... so there is a lot of interest in the area," said Mr Grossi. "It is clear that we have 60 years of nuclear experience in the world, that more than 400 reactors are operating in the world without problems." "So in my opinion, it would be good to do more, to do more information sharing, campaigns of education, dissemination of this information because it's true that the public perceptions may still be influenced by a certain inertia from past examples." The Fukushima incident, for instance, has "left quite a strong impression in some layers of society", he added, referring to the 2011 nuclear power plant meltdown in Japan's Fukushima prefecture. To address such fears, Mr Grossi said transparency was key. He added that a lot of wastewater has been treated and discharged in a controlled manner. "So, so far so good ... But we are going to continue. I said that the IAEA will be present until the very last drop of this water. "So this is, I think, a way to prove that we are there, that we are not going anywhere." On how the IAEA will strike a balance between being an authoritative power and maintaining global nuclear security when nuclear programmes were of political sensitivity, Mr Grossi said that the "best and most important element" was to work within the "family of nations" in the IAEA. "Every country that is operating normally and safely and with no proliferation concerns is a member of the IAEA ... receives the inspections, does the safety and security reviews, participates actively in the regulatory activities, countries that have transparency." Asked to rate how prepared ASEAN was to adopt nuclear energy at this point, Mr Grossi declined to give a score. "There is no such thing as an ASEAN energy output, because the countries are part of what ASEAN is but there is a huge difference between Myanmar and Singapore, or between Vietnam and Thailand.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety
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 Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety
Find out what's new on ST website and app. On July 11, a new Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute was launched. 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 up 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 energy 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 to other nations, which 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. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry, causing fractures to passenger and injuring 16 others Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip 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, 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, 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 the 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 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,' he said. In 2022, a report by the Energy Market Authority mentioned that emerging technology, including nuclear and geothermal, could potentially supply around 10 per cent of Singapore's energy needs by 2050. The EMA, which monitors emerging energy technologies, has also gone on learning trips to other countries such as the UK 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 will 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 ways 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.
CNA
11-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Nuclear energy research in Singapore boosted with S$66 million grant, new radiation-proof facility in NUS
SINGAPORE: A key institute on nuclear energy research was boosted with a S$66 million (US$52 million) grant as it unveiled its new premises at the National University of Singapore (NUS) on Friday (Jul 11). With the grant, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) will expand its research into nuclear safety, NUS and the National Environment Agency NEA) said in a joint media release. The institute now has a 12,900 sqm building located at 16 Prince George's Park, which is part of NUS' campus. Singapore has yet to make a decision on the deployment of nuclear energy, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong saying during Budget 2025 that the government will study the potential deployment of nuclear power in Singapore and take further steps to systematically build up capabilities in this area. He noted steps taken in this aspect, including agreements signed between Singapore and the US on civil nuclear cooperation. Singapore has also announced plans to build a pool of about 100 nuclear energy experts in the medium to long run. While thought to be unfeasible for Singapore in the past, nuclear technology has since advanced and small modular reactors (SMR) present a viable option for the land-scarce country, as they are a fraction of the size of conventional nuclear reactors and are safer. Singapore is monitoring the progress of SMR and other advanced nuclear technologies as possible energy options for the future. NUCLEAR SAFETY A REGIONAL PRIORITY Attending the launch of the new building on Friday, Chairman of National Research Foundation Heng Swee Keat said that the S$66 million will be committed to nuclear safety research over two-and-a-half years, starting from December last year, under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan. "As we draw up our RIE2030 plan, nuclear safety will also remain a key priority, given its strategic imperative for Singapore and the region," Mr Heng said. Early on, Singapore decided to build its capability in understanding nuclear energy and safety for two key reasons, Mr Heng added. Nuclear technology will continue to evolve and Singapore must have the ability to evaluate options as technology progresses. Singapore must also be able to respond effectively should there be a regional radiological emergency. Mr Heng, the former deputy prime minister who retired from politics in the General Election 2025, noted that countries within the region were considering nuclear energy as part of their energy portfolio. "While no countries in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have an operational nuclear plant yet, some have announced plans for deployment, such as the Philippines by early 2030s and Indonesia by 2040," said Mr Heng, adding that Malaysia and Indonesia have experience in the technology and have operated research reactors for some time. He said the "operating contexts" of neighbouring countries were different from Singapore in terms of geography and exposure to natural hazards among other factors. Given the potential diversity of nuclear technologies that may be deployed, the expertise Singapore develops in the area will contribute to regional efforts in developing "robust safe and secure frameworks and norms," Mr Heng said. "Capability building will help us understand the implications of nuclear developments in the region and ensure that we are prepared if our neighbours choose to deploy nuclear energy." SNRSI's expanded research scope is part of Singapore's efforts to strengthen its capabilities to better understand and assess nuclear technologies and safety. Its core research includes reactor safety, how radioactive materials can spread in the environment, the impact of radiation on living organisms and nuclear policy. Originally conceived in 2014 as the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, it is now a full-fledged institute. It also aims to double its current pool of 50 experts by 2030. NUS president Tan Eng Chye noted how the growth of the SNRSI necessitated the need for a larger, purpose-built space. With the new building, the institute plans to build its capabilities in the areas of simulation, and perform physical experiments on reactor safety. It also has plans to develop new methods for the rapid detection of radioactive substances, and to study the possible adaptive effects on living organism exposed to low dosages of radiation, among other goals. The new premises will also host educational activities for members of the public to "dispel common misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of radiation", Prof Tan said. "This includes sharing information on the various applications of ionising radiation areas such as medicine, industry, and even agriculture," he added. WHAT THE FACILITY HOUSES SNRSI's new premises comprise five floors above ground and a basement. The facility has three levels of wet laboratories and a computer simulation laboratory. "Housing a dedicated computer simulation lab, it will advance our research efforts in modelling nuclear reactors. Researchers will be able to better simulate and also study unlikely but significant scenarios, such as potential meltdown processes, helping to assess the safety levels of different nuclear technologies," said Prof Tan. In addition to X-ray and gamma irradiators that could expose biological samples to radiation at high and low dose rates, for both short- and long-term, the institute has other specialised equipment, such as state-of-the-art software for accident simulation, and machines that could measure radio-contaminants. SNRSI will be working closely with the agencies such as the NEA, the regulatory authority for radiation safety and environmental protection. NEA's scientific facilities for radiation monitoring are co-located in the building. These include the National Radiochemistry Laboratory and advanced ambient radiation monitoring station. It also has a Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory, a facility for radiation measurement standards and calibration services. This is where personal dosimeters - a device used to monitor the amount of radiation an individual has been exposed to - are calibrated for workers who may be exposed to radiation as part of their jobs, for example those from the healthcare, industrial or research sectors. Area monitoring instruments used in radiation-controlled workplaces are also calibrated here. The gamma irradiator used for these purposes is housed in the basement space with 65cm-thick concrete walls that resemble a bunker. Apart from walls, safety controls such as emergency shut-offs, real-time monitoring systems and restricted access are in place to protect workers. With its new premises, SNRSI is looking towards hosting regular visits by international experts, building on existing partnerships, as well as expanding partnerships with other research labs and research institutes around the world. The institute already participates in regional forums and collaborations, including the ASEAN Network on Nuclear Power Safety Research. SNRSI director, Associate Professor Chung Keng Yeow, said that the SNRSI's new facility and establishment as a full-fledged institute has put the institute in "good stead to expand our team and research capabilities". "With our strong capabilities and expertise in research and policy, we are well-poised to be at the forefront of research in nuclear safety, as well as enhance regional collaboration and develop talent in this area," he added.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore steps up nuclear viability research with new institute and $66m in additional funds
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The new Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute building was launched on July 11. SINGAPORE - The Republic's research initiative on nuclear safety is progressing further with a new institute, additional $66 million in funding, and an expanded research scope that will help Singapore better evaluate nuclear power's viability for the city-state. Such research areas include studying nuclear waste, conducting accident simulations of advanced reactors, expanding on nuclear policy studies and studying the deployment of underground reactors. The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) in NUS was officially launched on July 11 by National Research Foundation chairman Heng Swee Keat. The institute's predecessor was the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative. It did not have its own building, and was housed in the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise Tower in NUS. 'As an institute, it will now partner international laboratories to develop expertise in reactor simulation and modelling to analyse the safety of reactor designs,' said Mr Heng. 'This will enable it, over time, to build capabilities to assess aspects of the safety of small modular reactor (SMR) designs and their suitability for domestic deployment,' he added. SMRs are advanced and compact reactors that can be factory-assembled and installed in dense urban areas. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say World Trump nominates 'alpha male' influencer to be ambassador to Malaysia Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Business Company in talks to buy Esso petrol stations in Singapore, said to be worth $1.28 billion: Sources World The $12.8m bag: Original Birkin smashes records at Paris auction Asia Tariffs overshadow diplomacy as Asean foreign ministers press on with meetings They are also known to be safer than traditional, large reactors, but are now mainly still at a research phase. The initiative was started in 2014 as Singapore's first foray into nuclear research, and had a large focus on nuclear safety and building talent. For example, the initiative had partnered with Ukraine to study organisms and blood samples from one of the most radioactive places on earth – the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Over 30 scholarships have also been awarded for students to pursue postgraduate studies in areas related to nuclear science and engineering. 'In the decade from 2014, we have invested more than $150 million in initiating research, developing talent and setting up this new building that we are in,' said Mr Heng. A government study in 2012 had shown that nuclear technologies of that time were unsuitable for deployment in the city-state. But nuclear technologies have evolved since then to include smaller, safer reactors that could be used in Singapore. Amid growing international interest in tapping carbon-free nuclear energy, the new SNRSI will expand on studying emerging nuclear technologies, nuclear policy and educating the public about atomic power, which tends to incite fear due to a few high-profile meltdowns. The $66 million grant by the NRF will help the institute expand work in five areas. These include safety, nuclear policy, the dispersion of radioactive particles, the impact of radiation on living things, and the rapid detection of elevated levels of radioactivity. The grant amount was given under the NRF's research, innovation and enterprise 2025 plan, and will last 2.5 years from December 2024. On deepening international partnerships, NUS president Tan Eng Chye pointed to how the institute has set up a joint lab with the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection on seven joint research projects. SNRSI aims to 'become an authoritative source of information and advice on policies for the governance of nuclear energy,' it said in a statement. Mr Heng added that SNRSI has joined the International Atomic Energy Agency's research programme to study and identify viable options to manage used nuclear fuel and waste from different SMR technologies. 'Waste management will likely be a critical factor for public support for domestic nuclear deployment, if and when pursued,' he noted. Features of the new building Built in the middle of a small, forested area along King George's Park, the new five-storey institute has a curved facade to avoid felling two large trees next to it. The institute is curved because it wanted to protect the two large trees next to it. PHOTO: SNRSI Highly radioactive activities and equipment that release radiation are housed in the basement. Those equipment, called irradiators, are used to send pulses of radiation to zebrafish embryos in biological studies, or test the accuracy of radiation detection meters used in local industries. The screen shows zebrafish embryos exposed to radiation. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The testing of devices is done by NEA's irradiator at its secondary standards dosimetry laboratory in the building. The lab provides radiation protection services for some 14,000 people islandwide who are exposed to radiation in their jobs. As a precaution, the institute's irradiators are enclosed in 60cm-thick bunker-style concrete walls to block radiation, while air filtration units remove potentially radioactive particles from the fume hood exhaust. NEA's irradiator (background) is shielded by walls 60cm thick. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO And due to the terrain on which the building stands, the irradiators point to the soil under the slope of Kent Ridge, and this further protects people in the building. The door to NEA's secondary standards dosimetry laboratory remains secure. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Singapore has not made a decision to go nuclear. But since it has limited access to renewable energy, nuclear is among various low-carbon sources that the country is looking into while keeping in mind energy security, affordability and carbon footprint. Dr Christelle Chua, SNSRI senior research scientist, showing the X-Ray irradiator which can deliver both high and low dose rates. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had in his Budget speech in February made clear that Singapore will study the potential deployment of nuclear power here. The country's stance on the controversial power source has been shifting since 2022. That year, a report by the Energy Market Authority mentioned that emerging technology, including nuclear and geothermal, could potentially supply around 10 per cent of Singapore's energy needs by 2050. Mr Heng noted that while no Asean countries have an operational nuclear plant, some have announced plans for deployment, such as the Philippines by the early 2030s and Indonesia by 2040. 'Capability building will help us understand the implications of nuclear developments in the region and ensure we are prepared if our neighbours choose to deploy nuclear energy,' he said. NEA said in a statement: '(The national) monitoring system serves as a crucial safeguard against transboundary pollution, particularly significant amid the growing interest in nuclear energy programmes across the region.' The NEA manages a suite of tools to keep track of ambient radiation levels, including around 40 radiation monitoring stations for air and water islandwide. In March, ST reported that Singapore's coastal monitoring network will be upgraded to include sensors that can measure radioactivity in the waters. The agency is also working with other countries in the region to set up a South-east Asian early warning network with sensors deployed across the countries and data shared in the event of an emergency. Research areas One of SNRSI's research pillars, which looks into the dispersion of radioactive particles, will further help with monitoring efforts. The institute has a team that models how radioactive pollutants might disperse through the atmosphere or water, within an urban environment to over 2,000km. A showcase of NEA's network of radiation sensors and quick deployment unit (middle). PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Some levels of radiation exists all around us, and the amount of natural radiation a person in Singapore is exposed to over 24 hours is 0.0024 millisieverts, according to NEA's website. An airline passenger is exposed to 0.19 millisieverts of radiation on a long flight between Tokyo and New York. A high dose of 1,000 millisieverts will cause radiation poisoning – a life-threatening condition that includes vomiting, nausea and rectal bleeding. SNRSI has also been doing computer modelling to study the safety of advanced technologies such as SMRs. Dr Than Yan Ren, a SNRSI researcher showing a model of a type of SMR called the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The researchers create computer software to model virtual replicas of existing SMRs, and run accident scenarios to assess their risks and what could happen during a meltdown. In the future, SNRSI is planning to develop a nuclear reactor simulator for research. SNRSI will next study the deployment of SMRs underground to optimise land use here, and reduce the risk of any unlikely radioactive leak. On human health, while the dangers of high levels of radiation are well-known, how the body responds to continuous low-dose radiation is an area that SNRSI wants to contribute to. While studying human cells that are exposed to low doses of cesium – a radioactive substance – over a couple months, the researchers found that some of the cells had damaged DNA, which the cells were able to repair on their own. The cells were exposed to one millisievert of radiation per hour - or about 400 times the background radiation experienced by a person in Singapore in one day. Like an immune boost, those cells were later able to repair their DNA better than unexposed cells when fired with higher doses of radiation. SNRSI will study this further. Mr Heng added that the institute will ramp up research on the effects of low-dose radiation on humans by 'studying the impact on our local population with our unique ethnic and geographical landscape'. Contaminated samples delivered by IAEA over the years. ST PHOTO: SHABANA BEGUM The institute currently has around 50 experts who specialise in nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, material science, law and policy studies. With talent building close to its heart, SNRSI plans to have 100 nuclear experts in its building by 2030.
