Singapore will start an assessment with the International Atomic Energy Agency from 2027 to evaluate whether the country is ready to make an informed decision on nuclear energy.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said this does not mean Singapore has decided to build or deploy nuclear power. He added that safety remains the top priority, especially because Singapore is small and densely populated.
The review is part of the IAEA’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review process. It will look at areas such as nuclear safety, regulation, security, emergency response, waste management, legal framework, financing and technical capability. Singapore is already preparing a self-evaluation report, while the main assessment is expected in 2027. A final report is expected between 2027 and 2028.
The government said the findings will help Singapore understand what further steps are needed before any decision is made. PM Wong also said Singapore is prepared to accept the outcome if the review shows that nuclear energy is not suitable for the country.
Why this matters
Singapore currently relies heavily on imported natural gas for electricity. EMA data shows natural gas made up 94.0% of Singapore’s electricity fuel mix in 2024 and 93.1% in the first half of 2025.
Nuclear energy could help Singapore improve energy security and reduce carbon emissions, especially because it can provide stable electricity and requires less land than many renewable sources. However, Singapore’s dense urban environment means any nuclear decision must be extremely cautious. Waste management, emergency planning, regulation, public trust and long-term cost are major issues.
It may be a good long-term option if safer technologies such as small modular reactors become commercially proven and if Singapore can meet very strict safety and emergency-response standards. For now, the assessment is a sensible step because it helps Singapore prepare without committing too early.