Enviro News Asia, Singapore — The Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore has signed two new cooperation agreements with United States institutions to strengthen national capabilities in studying nuclear energy. These agreements build upon the “123 Agreement” for Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy signed in July 2024 and the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation signed in January 2025 between Singapore and the US.
The new accords aim to systematically develop Singapore’s technical expertise in assessing the feasibility of nuclear power generation.
Under the first agreement, EMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Battelle Memorial Institute for cooperation in nuclear energy capability building, research, and development. Battelle, an independent non-profit science and technology organization, has supported the US government and private sector for more than six decades in advancing and evaluating nuclear energy technologies. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in studying advanced reactor technologies and other nuclear innovations by leveraging Battelle’s networks and expertise.
The second agreement, a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), outlines future collaboration on advanced nuclear energy research. INL serves as the US national laboratory for nuclear energy and specializes in research and testing of nuclear fuels and materials. Through the LOI, both parties agreed to work toward a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to conduct technical studies, assessments, and capability-building activities.
EMA Chief Executive Puah Kok Keong said Singapore continues to explore potential pathways to decarbonize its power sector. “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 to meet Singapore’s energy needs,” Puah stated.
In support of civil nuclear cooperation, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has approved Singapore’s addition to the Part 810 list of Generally Authorised Destinations for controlled nuclear technology exports. This move facilitates technical exchanges between both countries and enhances collaboration on peaceful nuclear energy development.
Singapore will also continue to partner with the US on broader nuclear-related initiatives, including the annual Singapore–US Forum at the Singapore International Energy Week and the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) programme. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will further strengthen cooperation through its Information Exchange Arrangement with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission on technical and safety matters. (*)
