15 Apr (NucNet): Singapore is considering the introduction of a domestic nuclear energy programme, the city-state’s prime minister has said.
Lee Hsien Loong, who attended the Nuclear Security Summit in the US earlier this week, talked about the need to boost nuclear safety as a growing number of countries, including those in south-east Asia, look to nuclear as a cleaner way to meet their energy needs.
Remarks published by Mr Lee’s office quoted him as saying: “Even Singapore is studying the possibility of nuclear energy despite our severe constraints,” although no further details were given.
Singapore’s status as a major transshipment hub gives it a key regional role in efforts to curb any shipments of illegal nuclear material.
“We are neither a nuclear power nor are we experts in this issue, but we will play a constructive role to help strengthen the nuclear safety regime, in our own interests,” Mr Lee added.
Singapore is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose member states in 2007 agreed to work together in the development of civilian nuclear power programmes for those members that wished to do so.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
ASEAN Summit Forecasts Increased Share For Nuclear In Global Supply (World Nuclear Review No. 3, 19 January 2007)
Nations Pledge Backing For Nuclear Security Goals And ‘Stronger’ IAEA (News in Brief No. 68, 14 April 2010)
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