NDR 2026: Singapore's new western island could pave way for nuclear power, experts say
Defence experts also say Pulau Tekong could become a broader Singapore Armed Forces training hub, beyond its current role as a basic military training site.
Singapore's planned western island could one day host nuclear power facilities and energy-intensive industries like semiconductor manufacturing and data centres, according to energy experts. The offshore location would address a major constraint in deploying nuclear power - the need for significant land area - while providing access to seawater for cooling and keeping the facility separate from the general population.
Singapore has not made a decision on whether to adopt nuclear power, but it is building its capabilities in this area, with a planned international readiness assessment from 2027. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during the 2026 National Day Rally that several islands south of Jurong Island could be merged into a larger western island over the coming decades, similar to the development of the existing Jurong Island energy hub.
The island could support new industries and power generation infrastructure to meet Singapore's future energy needs, although the specific types of energy have not been specified. Offshore development offers advantages such as space, maritime access, cooling water, and separation from densely populated areas, though safety remains dependent on technology, engineering, regulation, and site conditions.
While nuclear power could be a longer-term possibility, hydrogen-ready natural gas plants and ammonia-fired power generation may be more immediately feasible on the new island, given Singapore's current energy mix and plans.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
