Singapore eyes role in global fusion energy industry

Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng highlighted Singapore's expertise in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and plasma diagnostics as key assets. He noted that while commercial fusion power plants are still years away, the technology offers attractive aspects such as lower radioactive waste and a limited risk of runaway reactions.

The global fusion ecosystem is projected to be worth around $420 billion by the end of the decade, driven by recent technological advancements like improved gyrotrons and superconducting magnets that have enabled net energy gain in experimental conditions. Singapore is closely monitoring these developments.

Singapore is already fostering partnerships and building capabilities in the field. The establishment of the Singapore Alliance with France for Fusion Energy in 2023, a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, aims to deepen expertise in plasma physics and AI for fusion research.

Furthermore, companies like Aliena, which develops plasma-based spacecraft propulsion, have expanded their operations in Singapore, demonstrating the potential for cross-sector innovation and economic opportunities stemming from fusion technologies.