The government will launch three new programmes to build civil servants’ knowledge of nuclear energy developments and fund training for company employees to strengthen their expertise, helping their firms develop nuclear energy strategies and capabilities.
Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng announced this on Monday (26 October) in his opening address at Singapore International Energy Week. Jointly introduced by the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the three programmes will be rolled out progressively this year.
Dr Tan said Singapore is doubling down on building a pool of nuclear experts and professionals locally. “Even if Singapore eventually decides not to deploy nuclear energy, the capabilities and expertise we are developing today will continue to serve us well, particularly as interest in nuclear energy grows across Southeast Asia and around the world.”
According to a joint statement from the ministry and the authority, the programmes will help Singapore build the capabilities to assess whether advanced nuclear energy technologies are suitable for local power generation. They will also prepare Singapore for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review next year.
The Singapore Nuclear Manpower Development Programme is designed specifically for public officers.
Participants will gain practical experience through attachments at nuclear technology companies, engineering, procurement and construction firms, and other relevant organisations. This will equip them with knowledge of technology assessment, project development, licensing approvals and regulatory requirements.
To this end, EMA signed cooperation agreements on Monday with three overseas companies: China Zhongyuan Engineering Corporation, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation; Canadian engineering consultancy AtkinsRealis; and X-energy, a US advanced nuclear reactor and nuclear fuel company.
The authorities will also provide funding under the Nuclear Manpower Development Programme (Industry) for local and overseas companies with significant operations in Singapore to send their employees for training.
Responding to queries from Lianhe Zaobao about participant numbers, METI and EMA said these would depend on factors including capability development needs, the availability of suitable training programmes and arrangements with partner organisations. The authorities will continue to review the numbers as the schemes progress.
The third initiative, the Singapore Future Energy Fellowship, will invite distinguished international energy leaders to provide independent advice on Singapore’s long-term energy strategy, including energy policymaking and the development of low-carbon technologies.
The first group of fellows, drawn mainly from the nuclear energy sector, will be confirmed this year. Experts in other areas of energy planning will be invited to join subsequently.
