The Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, known as the "123 Agreement," between the United States and Singapore has officially come into effect. This agreement is designed to enhance nuclear cooperation while adhering to international standards for safety, security, and nonproliferation. It aims to build on the existing strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The cooperation opens up new avenues for exploring advanced clean energy options and ensuring regional security and safety. It complements ongoing collaborations in areas such as clean energy, climate change, and energy security. Additionally, it is expected to strengthen the U.S.-Singapore relationship beyond traditional areas like defense, economic ties, and people-to-people connections.
Through this 123 Agreement and initiatives like the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, both countries aim to deepen civil nuclear cooperation. The focus will be on understanding how advanced nuclear energy technologies, including small modular reactors that meet high standards of security and safety, can support climate goals while addressing critical energy needs. This effort will assist Singapore in evaluating advanced nuclear energy technologies if viable options become available.
