Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has inked an agreement with China's Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) to cooperate in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
The agreement was signed on Monday (Aug 17) in Beijing by MTI's Permanent Secretary for Energy and Trade, Augustin Lee, and CAEA vice-chairman Liu Jing, with the signing witnessed by Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng and CAEA chairman Shan Zhongde.
Under the agreement, the two countries will facilitate capacity building partnerships between them.
This includes safety and technical assessments of nuclear reactor technologies; manpower training and scientific visits; public education, communications and engagement; nuclear safety, safeguards and security; as well as nuclear technology applications.
"There is much we can learn from partners around the world as we consider the options for Singapore’s energy future, and we are building those foundations, one partnership at a time," Dr Tan said in a social media post.
In a statement issued after the signing, MTI said the agreement is part of Singapore's recent engagements with a range of international partners such as France, South Korea, and the US.
"(These) will support Singapore's efforts in developing independent capabilities to make an objective and technical assessment on the potential deployment of nuclear energy," MTI added.
They will also contribute to Singapore's preparations for the International Atomic Energy Authority’s (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) phase 1 mission in 2027, the ministry said.
The review is part of the IAEA milestones approach — a structured, internationally recognised framework to guide countries in understanding the commitments and obligations associated with developing a nuclear power programme.
The milestones approach comprehensively assesses 19 areas, such as capabilities to manage nuclear safety, radioactive waste, and emergency planning.
During the mission, Singapore will host a week-long plenary interview conducted by IAEA experts, which will enable them to better understand Singapore’s current stage of development and provide more tailored support for capability building efforts in the future.
The results of the INIR phase 1 mission will subsequently detail the IAEA's observations, recommendations and suggestions, which can be used to develop a national action plan to chart out additional work required to reach Milestone 1.
Speaking at the Energy Market Authority's 25th anniversary dinner on May 19, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the purpose of the review is to assess whether Singapore is ready to make an informed decision on nuclear energy deployment.
"The emphasis is on being ready to make an informed decision," PM Wong stressed.
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