Singapore explores nuclear fusion as clean energy option under new METI

Singapore, in its pursuit of a low-carbon energy mix, is exploring nuclear fusion as a potential pathway, as the former Ministry of Trade and Industry is now known as the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI). This shift in focus is driven by the need to address climate change and energy security concerns. Dr Tan See Leng, who holds the ministerial position for energy and industry within METI, emphasized that energy is a critical and long-term resource for the country that requires careful planning.

Speaking at a nuclear fusion conference, Dr Tan highlighted that global developments have given Singapore new motivation to explore various energy pathways, with fusion energy being one of the more nascent options. Nuclear fusion is a process that involves fusing two variants of hydrogen at extreme heat to generate immense amounts of energy, similar to the sun's energy production, without producing long-lived radioactive waste.

Unlike nuclear fission, which has been commercially viable for decades, nuclear fusion is still in an early stage of development. Singapore has previously also closely studied nuclear fission and is currently reviewing its ability to decide on nuclear power by the end of 2027, participating in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR).

The country is actively working towards its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050, and is simultaneously accelerating the deployment of solar power, aiming to reach 3 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2030, surpassing its previous target of 2 GWp in 2025. Additionally, Singapore is exploring importing low-carbon electricity from neighboring Asean nations and has signed several conditional licences and approvals with project developers.

Dr Tan noted that while nuclear fusion is still in its early stages, significant progress has been made, and commercial interest from investors is growing. He expressed optimism about fusion energy's potential in the future energy landscape. Although Singapore has not yet decided on deploying any form of nuclear power, Dr Tan stated that the country can still contribute to the global fusion economy through its expertise and talent in this field.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) has collaborated with US fusion company Realta Fusion to develop a diagnostic tool for measuring plasma velocities, and has also worked with ST Engineering to produce components for tokamaks, which are machines designed to harness fusion energy, for the demonstration reactor of the startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems, backed by Singapore state investor Temasek and sovereign wealth fund GIC.