{
  "id": 15041820,
  "title": "How small modular reactors put nuclear energy back on the table for Singapore and ASEAN",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/how-small-modular-reactors-put-nuclear-energy-back-on-the-table-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/how-small-modular-reactors-put-nuclear-energy-back-on-the-table-for-singapore-and-asean"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore has quietly reopened the possibility of nuclear energy as a power source in March 2022, projecting that advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) could meet up to 10% of the country's electricity needs by 2050. This shift occurred after the country ruled out conventional nuclear plants in 2012 due to safety concerns, but continued to keep the door open for future nuclear energy technologies. The move comes as Southeast Asia grapples with the worst energy crisis since the 1970s, driven by geopolitical instability, the global shift towards decarbonisation, and advancements in nuclear technology. ASEAN countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines are exploring the integration of nuclear energy into their energy mix to secure their energy supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Singapore, currently reliant on natural gas for 95% of its energy needs, is beefing up its capacity to study nuclear energy and plans to undergo a readiness assessment by the UN atomic watchdog in 2027. The country has also signed at least seven pacts with countries and firms within the nuclear energy ecosystem in the past two years. The use of uranium fuel, which is energy-dense and can be sourced from diverse geopolitical locations, makes nuclear reactors a reliable and low-carbon source of electricity, contributing to energy security.",
  "summary": "Geopolitical instability, decarbonisation and technological advancements contribute to the nuclear push.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Straits Times",
        "title": "How do small modular nuclear reactors work, and how safe are they if S’pore decides to use them?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/how-do-small-modular-nuclear-reactors-work-and-how-safe-are-they-if",
        "published": "2026-10-16T21:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}