Understanding the IAEA Milestones: Singapore’s Path to Nuclear Capability

As the world pivots toward a net-zero future, Singapore finds itself at a critical energy crossroads. For a land-constrained nation with limited renewable resources, the conversation around nuclear energy has shifted from "if" to "how."

Central to this journey is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones

Approach—a rigorous, three-phase framework designed to guide countries toward safe and sustainable nuclear power. 

The IAEA Milestones Approach: A Global Blueprint

The IAEA Milestones Approach is the gold standard for "nuclear newcomer" countries. It breaks down the monumental task of building a nuclear program into three distinct phases, each culminating in a specific "Milestone."  

The Three Phases of Development

1. Phase 1: Considerations Before a Decision is Taken

   
   

   • Goal: To understand the commitments and obligations of a nuclear program.  

   • Milestone 1: Ready to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power program.

     
     

2. Phase 2: Preparatory Work for Contracting and Construction

   
   

   • Goal: To establish the necessary legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks.  

   • Milestone 2: Ready to invite bids or negotiate a contract.

     
     

3. Phase 3: Activities to Implement the First Nuclear Power Plan

   
   

   • Goal: To construct and commission the facility.

   • Milestone 3: Ready to operate the first nuclear power plant.  

     
     

To reach these milestones, a nation must address 19 Infrastructure Issues, ranging from nuclear safety and regulatory frameworks to stakeholder involvement and radioactive waste management.  

Where Does Singapore Stand in 2026?

Singapore is currently firmly in Phase 1. The government has been clear: no decision has been made to deploy nuclear energy. Instead, the focus is on capability building and technical feasibility.  

Recent developments in 2025 and 2026 highlight Singapore's methodical approach to reaching Milestone 1:

• Advanced Feasibility Studies: In late 2025, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) appointed Mott MacDonald to conduct a deep-dive study into the safety and technical feasibility of SMRs.  

  
  

• International Collaboration: Singapore has signed critical agreements, including a 123 Agreement with the United States and MoUs with the UAE’s Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and South Korea’s KHNP. These partnerships facilitate knowledge transfer and staff training.  

  
  

• Safety Standards Research: As of March 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has commissioned three new studies specifically focused on international nuclear safety and environmental standards.

The 19 Infrastructure Issues: Singapore’s Focus Areas

For a dense city-state like Singapore, certain IAEA infrastructure issues carry more weight than others. Here is how Singapore is addressing the most critical pillars:

Infrastructure Issue	Singapore's Strategic Action
National Position	Evaluating nuclear as a 10% contributor to the 2050 net-zero goal.
Nuclear Safety	Focus on "Generation IV" and SMR technologies with passive safety features.
Regulatory Framework	Building the NEA's internal capacity to act as an independent regulator.
Site & Supporting Facilities	Researching underground siting and "rock cavern" deployment to maximize land use.
Human Resource Development	Partnering with global leaders (France, USA, South Korea) for expert training.

Why Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

Traditional large-scale nuclear plants require massive exclusion zones, making them unsuitable for Singapore’s 734 square kilometers. SMRs, however, offer a potential solution:

• Smaller Footprint: They can be sited in industrial areas or even underground.  

  
  

• Enhanced Safety: Many designs use "walk-away" safe cooling systems that don't require external power or human intervention.  

  
  

• Scalability: Units can be added incrementally to match the growth of energy-intensive sectors like AI Data Centers.

  
  

The Road to Milestone 1: What’s Next?

Reaching Milestone 1 (the point where a "knowledgeable commitment" is made) requires more than just technical data. It requires social license. Public engagement remains a vital part of the IAEA framework. As Singapore continues its geophysical surveys for geothermal energy and its safety studies for nuclear, the next few years will be defined by transparency and education.

Conclusion

Singapore’s path to nuclear capability is a marathon, not a sprint. By following the IAEA Milestones Approach, the nation ensures that if it ever flips the switch on nuclear power, it does so with the highest global standards of safety, security, and efficiency. For now, the "Little Red Dot" is doing the homework required to power a greener tomorrow.

While Singapore is a nuclear-free zone, understanding potential radiation risks is crucial. Our detailed guide explores these risks, outlines Singapore's safety frameworks, and highlights singaporenuclear.com as a key resource for PPE and radiation hardware for enhanced preparedness.