SINGAPORE Trends and Developments Contributed by: Adam Moncrieff, Karthik Kumar, Lynette Lim and Kelly Choo, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
While Singapore lacks the conventional geothermal energy resources typically found in volcanically active regions, recent global advances in geothermal tech- nologies have created new opportunities to harness sub-surface heat for power generation, heating and cooling needs. The study builds on an ongoing nation- wide non-invasive geophysical survey commissioned by the EMA in 2024, which was awarded to Surbana Jurong for approximately SGD16 million, with results expected by the end of 2026. Previous studies have found high temperatures underground in northern and eastern Singapore. The EMA has been exploring Singapore’s geothermal potential since 2021, working with Nanyang Techno- logical University, the Ministry of Trade and Indus- try and the National Climate Change Secretariat. Advanced geothermal systems can harness heat from deep hot dry rock with minimal environmental and safety impact. Conventional hydrothermal systems may not be applicable due to the lack of quality heat resources at shallower depths, but next-generation technologies open new possibilities. If viable, geothermal could become a new indigenous clean energy source for Singapore beyond solar. The consultant is expected to be appointed within 2026. Singapore’s Nuclear Journey In October 2025, the Singapore government announced that it was “seriously studying” the poten- tial deployment of nuclear energy, particularly newer technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs). Officials characterised nuclear power as potentially safe, reliable and cost-competitive for Singapore – a notable shift in tone from the government’s previously cautious stance towards nuclear power. Singapore’s engagement with nuclear energy has evolved gradually over more than a decade. Key mile- stones include the following. • 2012 – A pre-feasibility study concluded that nuclear plants of the time were not suited for a small, densely populated city-state, but recom- mended continued monitoring of developments.
• March 2022 – An EMA report concluded that nucle- ar energy could supply around 10% of Singapore’s energy needs, helping achieve net-zero by 2050. • October 2024 – The EMA signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE’s Emirates Nuclear Energy Company. • February 2025 – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the government would study potential deployment and build capabilities. • September 2025 – The EMA appointed UK-based engineering firm Mott MacDonald to evaluate the safety performance, technological maturity and commercial readiness of advanced reactor designs. Dedicated nuclear energy teams have also been formed within the Singapore government and regula- tors, including a Nuclear Energy Office within the EMA and a Nuclear Safety Division within the National Envi- ronment Agency. The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, which has received over SGD150 million in funding since 2014, was upgraded to an Institute in July 2025 and will partner international laboratories on reactor simulation and modelling. Singapore has also signed capability-building agree- ments with the United States, France, the UAE and Sweden. Any eventual deployment will need to con- sider safety, reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability. The emphasis on SMRs reflects their potentially better suitability for small, land-constrained countries like Singapore compared to traditional large- scale nuclear plants. Most recently in May 2026, the EMA announced that Singapore will undertake the International Atomic Energy Agency Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Phase 1 Mission in 2027. This is an independ- ent, voluntary external peer review that will assess Singapore’s ability to make an informed decision on the deployment of nuclear energy, and whether its capability building efforts are advancing in the right direction. While this is neither a decision to deploy nuclear energy, nor a commitment to proceed to later phases, it is an important step in Singapore’s nuclear energy journey.
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