VTT and Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute deepen cooperation on nuclear safety and capability development

The new collaboration brings together VTT's decades of experience in nuclear safety and technology with SNRSI’s technical expertise to build up Singapore's growing national capabilities in nuclear science. It will support the development of expertise needed to understand and assess nuclear technologies and nuclear safety.  

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was witnessed by Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), and Dr Sakari Puisto, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs.  

While Singapore has not made a decision on the adoption or deployment of nuclear energy, the country is building capabilities to evaluate the potential role of nuclear energy in its future energy mix.

“While Finland and Singapore differ in geography and energy systems, both are relatively small nations that recognise the value of specialised expertise, strong institutions and international cooperation to address nuclear safety and technology challenges,” said Low Xin Wei, CEO of SNRSI.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, VTT and SNRSI will cooperate in areas including nuclear reactor technology assessment and safety analysis, radioactive waste and spent fuel management, and capability development.

"VTT's role is to help build independent knowledge and capabilities needed for assessing nuclear energy options and for safe and responsible deployment of the technology. We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with SNRSI and share Finland's world-leading experience in nuclear safety, nuclear waste management, and technology development, a decades-long success story which builds on VTT’s research and technical assessment capabilities. Through this cooperation, we aim to support Singapore's efforts to develop the expertise needed for evidence-based decision-making”, said Jani Halinen, Vice President, Nuclear energy at VTT. 

Finland’s nuclear energy sector has been built over several decades in close dialogue between public authorities, research organisations, and the industry. Today, Finland has five operating reactors with an excellent safety and availability record. Finland has also gained international recognition for its long-term approach to spent fuel and radioactive waste management at Onkalo, the world's first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel about to start operations.  

VTT has supported this development from the outset as an independent research and technical expert organisation. Its work has helped regulators and industry assess nuclear technologies, strengthen safety practices and develop the competence needed for confident and responsible decision-making. The collaboration reflects VTT's broader mission of helping societies address complex technological challenges and strengthen resilience through science and innovation.

As Singapore works towards its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a range of low-carbon energy options, including nuclear energy, are being studied. SNRSI’s research focuses on building the technical capabilities Singapore needs to make an informed assessment of nuclear energy and technologies relevant to its unique context.

International partnerships are an important part of this effort, to learn from countries with longer experience in nuclear energy, exchange knowledge, and strengthen expertise. The collaboration with VTT will support this work and complement SNRSI’s efforts to develop a community of nuclear experts and to build the research infrastructure and technical support capabilities needed for independent assessment and nuclear safety.

“Beyond the exchange of technical knowledge, international collaboration is ultimately about building relationships and mutual trust. SNRSI engages with international partners to strengthen cooperation in nuclear safety, and raise our technical bar so as to attract and develop the next generation of nuclear experts,” said Mr Low. 

Main image: In the Picture from left to right: Juha Markkanen, Finland’s Ambassador to Singapore; Low Xin Wei, CEO of SNRSI; Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry); Dr Sakari Puisto, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs; Jani Halinen, Vice President, Nuclear energy at VTT. (Source: SNRSI)

Established in 2014 under the Nuclear Safety Research and Education Programme and elevated to a full-fledged institute in 2025, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) houses and is building Singapore’s capabilities in nuclear science, engineering and safety. As part of the National University of Singapore, SNRSI advances this mission through research and education, supports government agencies with technical consultancy, and contributes to regional cooperation on nuclear safety. Through deepened international research partnerships, SNRSI represents Singapore on technical and scientific platforms, and nurtures the next generation of nuclear experts.