The United States and Singapore signed an agreement on Wednesday aimed at “deepening” their cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
This comes as the city-state explores alternative energy sources to reduce its carbon emissions.
“123 Agreement” on Civil Nuclear Cooperation
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a tour of the region, and his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan signed the “123 Agreement” on civil nuclear cooperation.
“This agreement builds upon the longstanding civil nuclear collaboration between the United States and Singapore and establishes a comprehensive framework for deepening peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation,” the two countries stated in a joint release.
Agreement to Take Effect in Late 2024
The agreement is expected to enter into force by the end of 2024 after being submitted to the U.S. Congress, the statement specified.
Singapore Explores Nuclear Energy for Carbon Neutrality
A regional financial center and a key player in the global semiconductor industry, Singapore currently relies on oil and natural gas. It is exploring options, including nuclear energy, to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Access to U.S. Nuclear Technology and Expertise
The 30-year agreement “will facilitate Singapore’s access to detailed information on U.S. nuclear energy technologies and expertise subject to export controls,” according to the statement.
Singapore will also join a U.S. State Department program that enables partners to better understand small modular reactors (SMRs) and more advanced nuclear energy technologies, the statement added.
Expanding Network of “123 Agreements”
Washington has concluded “123 Agreements” with 22 countries, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as with two institutions: the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).