EU-SG Dialogue on Clean and Safe Energy: 40th Anniversary of Chernobyl Disaster
Marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, this event brings together experts and diplomats to reflect on its lasting impact and the continued importance of nuclear safety. The war in Ukraine and the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have heightened the safety concerns of nuclear power plants surviving direct hits from enemy missiles. But if nuclear reactors are built underground, the risks of a catastrophic fallout arising from this can be reduced.
Organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Singapore and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Political Dialogue Asia Singapore, the dialogue will focus on current energy challenges, including the safety of nuclear facilities in times of instability and the role of new technologies in reducing risks. In the ASEAN context—where energy demand is rising, decarbonization pressures are growing, and several countries are studying or considering nuclear power—these issues are especially timely. Questions around regulatory readiness, public trust, and regional cooperation will be key to ensuring that any future nuclear development is both safe and sustainable.
Bringing together representatives from scientific think tanks, diplomacy, and industry, the EU–Singapore Dialogue on Clean and Safe Energy provided a timely platform to reflect on the lasting implications of Chernobyl and the evolving challenges of nuclear safety. In light of the war in Ukraine and concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, discussions explored how emerging technologies—such as underground reactors—could help mitigate risks in an increasingly unstable global environment.
Held under the Chatham House Rule, the panel enabled an open and frank exchange on key issues including regulatory readiness, public trust, and regional cooperation, particularly in the ASEAN context where energy demand and decarbonisation pressures continue to rise.
Our sincere appreciation goes to H.E. Kateryna Zelenko, Ukrainian Ambassador to Singapore and H.E. Artis Bertulis, European Union Ambassador to Singapore for their thoughtful contributions and continued support in making this dialogue possible.
About this series
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