Singapore and UK Expand Cooperation on Nuclear Safety Regulation

Singapore and the United Kingdom have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on nuclear safety regulation, marking a new step in Singapore’s efforts to build expertise as it evaluates the potential role of nuclear energy in its long-term energy transition.

The agreement was signed between Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) on June 1, 2026. It provides a framework for the exchange of information and expertise on nuclear safety regulation, including advanced nuclear technologies and the training of scientific and technical personnel.

Singapore authorities said the partnership will strengthen national capabilities in radiation protection, nuclear safety and regulatory assessment. The collaboration is expected to help the country deepen its understanding of emerging reactor technologies, including small modular reactors, as it studies future low-carbon energy options.

The agreement comes as Singapore continues preparations for a 2027 assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which will evaluate the country’s technical expertise, regulatory frameworks and institutional readiness to assess potential nuclear energy deployment. Officials have emphasised that Singapore has not made any decision on adopting nuclear power and remains focused on capability building and safety evaluation.

The latest partnership adds to Singapore’s ongoing cooperation with nuclear regulators in Finland, France and the United States, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen expertise in nuclear safety while exploring pathways to a secure and lower-carbon energy future.

Nuclear-safety cooperation between advanced regulators typically shapes the standards that new nuclear entrants in Asia and the Middle East will adopt, which affects taxonomy alignment, financing access and disclosure for nuclear-adjacent operators. Our energy-transition and responsible-investment teams help clients evaluate nuclear-linked positioning against EU Taxonomy, ISSB and jurisdictional frameworks.