Society formed to help public better understand nuclear energy, combat misinformation
The Nuclear Learning & Understanding Society is looking to have its first networking event in November.
Singapore has established the Nuclear Learning & Understanding Society (NUCLEUS) to aid citizens in grasping nuclear energy, as the government evaluates whether to adopt this cleaner energy source, which can be a divisive issue. Matthew Chew, NUCLEUS president, notes that nuclear energy remains a complex topic in Singapore, with a lack of general knowledge and awareness about the field.
Chew, a consultant with an MIT master's degree in nuclear science and engineering, clarifies that nuclear waste management is safe, citing land-based dry casks and deep underground geological storage as effective methods to prevent radiation exposure.
Concerns regarding nuclear safety, plant locations, and careers in the nuclear sector are frequently discussed. NUCLEUS, a newly formed initiative with 10 members, aims to host seminars, workshops, and networking events for the public, as well as school talks. The society's goal is to educate the public about nuclear energy, its scientific and engineering aspects, and the reasons governments weigh its adoption and undertake necessary measures before committing to it.
Chew emphasizes that the society's role is not to advocate for or advise the government on nuclear energy as an option for Singapore.
Among the society's committee members are Brendan Tan, a business development manager with a layman's perspective; senior scientist Rowinski Marcin, who holds a PhD in nuclear engineering; and Nicola Scarpelli, an automation company managing director with a master's degree in energy and nuclear engineering. Tan aims to provide practical insights into advanced nuclear technology like small modular reactors (SMRs), which could be more suitable for Singapore's land-scarce, densely populated landscape due to their lower power capacity, enhanced safety standards, and smaller buffer zones.
As someone from the finance sector, Tan hopes to help people understand the financing aspects of SMRs, which are an evolving area of study.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
