Participation in International Fusion Reactor Projects and Availability of Funding

Date: For Parliament Sitting on 15 February 2022

Title: Goals and Priorities Set under Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan

MPs Speaking: Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song, Mr Heng Swee Keat

QUESTION: Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Prime Minister with regard to the recent experimental developments in fusion and the Government's previously stated aims to look into nuclear fusion as a source of electricity generation (a) whether the National Research Foundation is looking to participate in any international fusion reactor projects, like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), to allow Singaporean researchers direct access to the data and latest developments in the field; and (b) if so, what projects have been looked into and how much funding is being provided.

RESPONSE: Mr Heng Swee Keat (for the Prime Minister): The National Research Foundation is not currently participating in any international fusion reactor projects. Nonetheless, as part of our overall efforts of keeping abreast with the latest progress in nuclear technologies, we are monitoring global developments related to fusion, including at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), to identify where Singapore can participate and contribute meaningfully. 

The latest development, in which researchers produced for the first time a small fusion reaction that generates more energy than it consumes, is a significant scientific advancement. However, more work needs to be done to achieve a much higher scale of net energy gain over a sustained period, for fusion to generate electricity in a commercially viable manner.

We will continue with our efforts to better understand the evolving nuclear science and technology by supporting research in relevant areas of nuclear science and engineering, and training a pool of scientists and experts through education programmes and collaborations with overseas nuclear technology partners.

(Question No. 1564 in Notice Paper No. 960 of 2022)