KUALA LUMPUR – The United States and Singapore signed an agreement today to enhance collaboration on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as Singapore explores alternative power sources to reduce its carbon emissions.
Singapore is examining various options, including nuclear power, to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to AFP.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan formalised the “123 Agreement” on civil nuclear cooperation during Blinken’s visit to Asia.
The agreement, named after a section of the US Atomic Energy Act, is crucial for US nuclear companies, ensuring they comply with non-proliferation laws.
“This agreement builds on the long-standing civil nuclear collaboration between United States and Singapore and outlines a comprehensive framework to deepen peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation,” both countries said in a joint statement.
“This will support Singapore’s efforts to understand and evaluate advanced nuclear energy technologies, should viable options emerge.”
The agreement will aid Singapore in assessing advanced nuclear energy technologies if viable options are identified, emphasising the enduring civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
Set to take effect by the end of 2024 after a US Congressional review, the pact will span 30 years, facilitating Singapore’s access to detailed information on US nuclear technologies and expertise under export control.
Singapore will also join a US Department of State programme, allowing partners to better understand small modular reactors and advanced nuclear technologies.
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority highlights that small modular reactors promise enhanced safety and economics compared to conventional nuclear power plants, although these technologies are still in development.
The US maintains active “123 agreements” with 22 countries, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as two institutions: the European Atomic Energy Community and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Singapore will also participate in the US Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (First) programme, which helps countries build advanced nuclear capabilities safely, as reported by The Business Times.
Under the US Atomic Energy Act’s Section 123, a nuclear cooperation agreement is necessary for the US to transfer significant nuclear material or equipment to other nations.
Singapore is intensifying its research into advanced nuclear technologies. A new multimillion-dollar research facility at the National University of Singapore is set to support about 100 nuclear researchers.
Additionally, Nanyang Technological University established a research centre for nuclear fusion last year, in collaboration with France’s Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, known as the Singapore Alliance with France for Fusion Energy.
The city-state also aims to train at least 100 experts in nuclear safety over the medium to long term, according to Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng.
By joining the US’ First programme, Singapore will gain access to a network of US entities involved in civilian nuclear energy, including the US National Laboratories and companies developing new nuclear technologies. – July 31, 2024