Gov’t studying fusion as potential clean-energy pathway

The METI places greater emphasis on energy security, economic growth and climate resilience.

Singapore is studying nuclear fusion as a potential low-carbon energy pathway as the new Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) places greater emphasis on energy security, economic growth and climate resilience.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry formally became METI on 1 October, reflecting the growing importance of energy to Singapore’s economic competitiveness and long-term resilience.

Speaking at FusionX 2026, Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng said energy was an essential resource requiring long-term planning.

He said global developments had strengthened the need for Singapore to study emerging energy technologies and leave no potential pathway unexplored.

Fusion energy is one option the country is monitoring closely, although commercially operating fusion power plants could still be years away. Singapore has not decided whether to deploy any form of nuclear energy.

Fusion generates energy by combining atomic nuclei under extreme heat and pressure, unlike nuclear fission, which splits atoms.

The technology could produce lower levels of radioactive waste and has a limited risk of runaway reactions, but maintaining stable fusion conditions and achieving a net-positive energy return remain major technical challenges.

Singapore’s exploration of fusion forms part of its wider effort to diversify its energy sources and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The country has increased its solar deployment target to 3 gigawatt-peak by 2030 after reaching its previous 2 GWp target ahead of schedule. It is also pursuing regional low-carbon electricity imports and studying the possible deployment of nuclear fission.

Singapore will participate in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review in 2027 to assess its readiness to make an informed decision on nuclear fission.

Even without constructing a fusion reactor, Singapore could participate in the industry through its expertise in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, plasma diagnostics and deep technology.

A*STAR has worked with US-based Realta Fusion since 2025 to develop a diagnostic tool that measures plasma velocities, helping researchers understand and control conditions within fusion systems.

The agency and Realta Fusion are exploring further collaboration in advanced plasma diagnostics and deployment.

SGInnovate and consulting firm Helixos have identified materials and coatings, plasma-facing components, diagnostics, software and control systems as potential areas for Singapore to enter the global fusion value chain.