EMA signs nuclear cooperation deals with US organisations to advance energy studies
The Energy Market Authority has signed cooperation agreements with Battelle and Idaho National Laboratory to strengthen Singapore’s nuclear energy research capabilities, building on prior accords with the US signed in 2024 and 2025.
- EMA signed cooperation agreements with Battelle and Idaho National Laboratory to enhance nuclear energy research capabilities.
- These agreements follow the 2024 and 2025 bilateral accords between Singapore and the US on peaceful nuclear cooperation.
- EMA is evaluating the feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies, with no deployment decision made yet.
Singapore is stepping up its efforts to evaluate the feasibility of nuclear energy as a future low-carbon energy source, through enhanced cooperation with two prominent United States-based institutions.
On 27 October 2025, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) announced that it had signed two key agreements with US partners to build capabilities in nuclear energy research and development.
The move marks a continuation of bilateral cooperation following the 2024 Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy — commonly referred to as the “123 Agreement” — and the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation between Singapore and the United States.
The first new agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between EMA and the Battelle Memorial Institute. Battelle is a non-profit organisation known for applying science and engineering to complex global challenges, including nuclear innovation.
Under the MoU, EMA and Battelle will cooperate on capability building and research into various advanced reactor technologies. The collaboration will leverage Battelle’s extensive network and experience in supporting both the US government and private sector in nuclear energy development.
The second agreement is a Letter of Intent (LOI) between EMA and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), which functions as the US government's national laboratory for nuclear energy. INL conducts research and testing of nuclear fuels and materials and is known for its initiatives in advancing commercialisation of nuclear technologies.
The LOI expresses both parties’ intention to formalise a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). This would enable joint studies, technical assessments, and knowledge-building related to advanced nuclear technologies.
Puah Kok Keong, Chief Executive of EMA, stated, “Singapore is pursuing a range of potential pathways to reduce carbon emissions from power generation."
"This involves studying potential options that would provide us with a diversified portfolio of low-carbon energy sources in future. Through these agreements, we look forward to collaborating with our US partners to strengthen our knowledge and technical expertise in assessing the feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies in meeting Singapore’s energy needs.”
In support of these efforts, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the inclusion of Singapore in the Part 810 list of Generally Authorised Destinations.
This designation enables the export of controlled nuclear technologies and knowledge to Singapore, thereby easing information exchange and technical collaboration between US entities and Singaporean partners.
Singapore and the US will also continue engaging in other nuclear-related platforms, such as the Singapore-US Forum at the Singapore International Energy Week and participation in the US-led Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) programme.
Additionally, the National Environment Agency (NEA) maintains an Information Exchange Arrangement with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This enables the exchange of technical information and collaboration on nuclear safety matters.
The current initiatives build upon Singapore’s broader efforts to investigate nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix.
On 2 September 2025, it was announced that the EMA had appointed UK-based Mott MacDonald to evaluate the safety performance and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs). The consultancy was selected following a tender launched in December 2024.
Mott MacDonald brings over 60 years of experience in the nuclear sector, having advised governments and technology developers on nuclear safety and regulatory issues.
In Parliament on 25 September 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong addressed a question on the scope of the EMA’s studies. He confirmed that while the current study focuses on technology and safety aspects, the matter of nuclear waste disposal would be addressed separately.
Gan also stated that the Government would provide public updates as appropriate to support greater understanding of nuclear energy among Singaporeans.
As of 27 October 2025, EMA has issued a pre-tender qualification notice titled “Provision of Technical Advisory Services on Nuclear Energy Technology and Capability Areas.” The notice remains open on Singapore’s government procurement portal, GeBIZ.
While Singapore has not yet made any decision on deploying nuclear energy, EMA emphasised the importance of developing local expertise and international collaborations to better understand the potential role of advanced nuclear technologies in achieving a secure and sustainable energy future.
