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Singapore and the United States have signed a comprehensive civil nuclear cooperation agreement. The landmark 30-year pact was formalized on July 31, 2024, by Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during Blinken’s official visit to the city-state.
Known as a “123 Agreement” under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, this deal facilitates the transfer of American nuclear technology and expertise to Singapore. The agreement is designed to help Singapore explore the feasibility of incorporating nuclear energy into its energy mix, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Although Singapore has not committed to deploying nuclear energy, this agreement provides a framework for rigorous study and collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies.
Minister Balakrishnan emphasized the strategic importance of nuclear non-proliferation and safety in his remarks. “This agreement is a testament to our commitment to upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, which are crucial for international peace and security,” he said.
Secretary Blinken echoed these sentiments, highlighting the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change. “By collaborating on nuclear technology, we can support our shared goals of sustainability and energy security,” Blinken noted. The agreement includes provisions for Singapore to engage with other countries using U.S.-origin nuclear technologies, further enhancing international cooperation.
The partnership is also set to bolster Singapore’s nuclear safety infrastructure, with support from the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute at the National University of Singapore. This initiative is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint.
This agreement comes amid a global push towards nuclear energy as a clean energy source. At the recent COP28 summit, there was a collective call to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 to meet global climate goals. Several Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are also exploring nuclear energy, reflecting a regional trend towards adopting this technology.