The Energy Market Authority (EMA) will strengthen its capabilities in studying nuclear energy through the signing of two cooperation agreements with organisations from the United States (US). These cooperation agreements build on the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (“123 Agreement”) signed in July 2024, and the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation signed in January 2025 by Singapore and the US.
2 The nuclear cooperation agreements aim to systematically build up capabilities in studying the feasibility of deploying nuclear energy for power generation in Singapore. They comprise:
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EMA and Battelle Memorial Institute regarding Cooperation in Nuclear Energy Capability Building, Research and Development
Battelle is an independent, non-profit applied science and technology organisation. Battelle applies advanced science, technology and engineering to solve complex challenges including innovation in the field of nuclear energy. For more than 60 years, Battelle has supported the US government and private sector in developing and evaluating nuclear energy technologies.
This MoU provides a framework for cooperation between both parties to study various aspects of nuclear energy and advanced reactor technologies, leveraging Battelle’s networks and expertise.
Letter of Intent (LOI) for Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to collaborate with EMA on nuclear energy
INL is the US’ nuclear energy laboratory for advanced nuclear energy with extensive facilities on research and testing of nuclear fuels and materials. INL runs initiatives that equip the global nuclear community to commercialise innovations such as advanced fuels and reactors.
Through the LOI, both parties agree to work towards establishing a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to collaborate on studies, technical assessment, and capability building in advanced nuclear energy technologies.
3 Mr Puah Kok Keong, Chief Executive of EMA, said: “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.”
4 In the spirit of advancing civil nuclear cooperation between Singapore and the US, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the addition of Singapore to the Part 810 list of Generally Authorised Destinations for exports of controlled nuclear technology and assistance. This move paves the way for the US and Singapore to further strengthen peaceful nuclear energy cooperation and allows for more exchanges of technical knowledge, ideas on nuclear energy and nuclear technologies with the various parties that EMA works with in the US.
5 Singapore will also continue to collaborate with the US on other nuclear-related initiatives, such as the Singapore-US Forum at the Singapore International Energy Week and the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) programme. Other collaborations include the National Environment Agency’s Information Exchange Arrangement with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the exchange of technical information and cooperation in nuclear safety matters.
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About the Energy Market Authority
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry. Through our work, we seek to build a clean energy future that is resilient, sustainable, and competitive. We aim to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. Visit www.ema.gov.sg for more information.
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Chua Pei Ling (Ms)
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Energy Market Authority
Tel: (65) 9382 3158
Email: chua_pei_ling@ema.gov.sg