Singapore is stepping up efforts to develop the technical expertise needed to assess nuclear energy, signing a five-year agreement with Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre to draw on the country’s established experience in nuclear safety and technology.
The partnership, agreed with the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) at the National University of Singapore, will cover reactor assessments, safety analysis, and the management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.
Although Singapore has yet to decide whether nuclear power should feature in its future energy mix, the agreement will help establish the specialist knowledge and research capabilities needed to evaluate the technology independently as the country works towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Why Singapore is looking to Finland
For Singapore, the challenge is developing the ability to make informed decisions about nuclear energy before determining whether it is a viable option for the country.
Nuclear power is among several low-carbon technologies Singapore is examining as it considers how to achieve its 2050 net-zero target.
However, assessing its potential role requires technical expertise spanning reactor performance, safety considerations and the long-term handling of radioactive materials.
Finland offers a practical source of experience. Its nuclear industry has developed over several decades, supported by cooperation between public authorities, researchers and industry.
The country has five operating reactors and has established a long-term approach to radioactive waste management. One of its most significant developments is Onkalo, which is approaching the start of operations as the world’s first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel.
This experience makes Finland an important partner for Singapore as it develops the capabilities required to understand the technical and safety implications of nuclear technologies.
What the five-year agreement will cover
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between VTT and SNRSI across several areas of nuclear research and technical assessment.
Work will include evaluating reactor technologies, analysing nuclear safety and examining approaches to radioactive waste and spent fuel management. Both organisations will also contribute to developing the specialist capabilities needed to support these activities.
VTT’s contribution draws on its longstanding involvement in Finland’s nuclear sector. The research organisation has provided independent technical expertise throughout the industry’s development, helping regulators and businesses evaluate technologies, improve safety practices and build the knowledge needed for responsible decision-making.
For SNRSI, the partnership will support the development of a national community of nuclear specialists, alongside the research infrastructure and technical support capabilities required to assess emerging technologies.
International cooperation to support nuclear safety
The agreement was witnessed by Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry, and Dr Sakari Puisto, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs.
International collaboration is an important part of Singapore’s approach to developing its nuclear expertise. Working with countries that have longer experience with nuclear energy provides opportunities to exchange knowledge and strengthen domestic research capabilities.
Low Xin Wei, CEO of SNRSI, explained: “While Finland and Singapore differ in geography and energy systems, both are relatively small nations that recognise the value of specialised expertise, strong institutions and international cooperation to address nuclear safety and technology challenges.”
The partnership with VTT will contribute to that process, giving SNRSI access to Finnish experience while supporting Singapore’s development of independent assessment capabilities.
Jani Halinen, Vice President of Nuclear energy at VTT, added: “VTT’s role is to help build independent knowledge and capabilities needed for assessing nuclear energy options and for safe and responsible deployment of the technology.
“We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with SNRSI and share Finland’s world-leading experience in nuclear safety, nuclear waste management, and technology development, a decades-long success story which builds on VTT’s research and technical assessment capabilities.
“Through this cooperation, we aim to support Singapore’s efforts to develop the expertise needed for evidence-based decision-making.”
Rather than representing a commitment to nuclear power, the agreement is focused on ensuring Singapore has the technical foundations to evaluate its options.
Nuclear safety, in particular, will remain central to understanding whether emerging nuclear technologies could have a role in the country’s future energy system.
