Debunking Nuclear Energy Myths: Insights from Ian Ang

SINGAPORE – Ian Ang, a nuclear energy researcher, recently found himself discussing his work during a routine check-up at his local clinic. The unexpected exchange with his doctor about nuclear energy quickly turned personal.

"Oh, I disagree with that," the doctor said upon discovering Ang’s affiliation with the NUS Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI). Ang, who is well-versed in public skepticism, viewed this engagement as a chance to clarify common nuclear fears.

Understanding Public Anxiety

Ang learned that the doctor's apprehensions were influenced by high-profile nuclear disasters, notably Chernobyl and Fukushima, which left lasting scars on public perception. In 1986, the catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine exposed a vast population to radiation and contaminated huge areas.

Decades later, in March 2011, Japan faced a similar crisis; a powerful earthquake and tsunami led to significant meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. While the doctor believed numerous lives were lost from these events, Ang shared that the United Nations had reported no direct radiation-related deaths from the Fukushima incident despite the associated tragedies of the natural disasters.

He clarified that 18,430 individuals died or went missing due to the earthquake and tsunami, while many others faced health struggles or took their lives in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Chernobyl Narrative

Ang turned the conversation to Chernobyl, noting that only about 50 emergency responders died directly due to the accident. According to a 2008 UN report, fewer than 0.5% of the roughly 6,000 thyroid cancer cases resulting from Chernobyl proved fatal, emphasizing that most cases can be effectively treated.

“To me, the issue with Chernobyl stemmed from human error rather than a flaw in the technology itself,” Ang remarked. He pointed out that the disaster was driven by operator mistakes and design flaws, highlighting that operators were not made aware of the potential dangers their actions posed to the reactor.

Choosing a Path in Nuclear Research

Ang's journey into nuclear energy began over a decade ago as an undergraduate physics major at the National University of Singapore, where he initially explored a range of topics from atomic clocks to solar technology. His final-year project focused on nuclear energy after he found the Singapore Government had allocated $63 million for nuclear safety research and education.

Firmly believing in the safety and climate benefits of nuclear energy, Ang pursued a PhD in Physics at the University of Bristol, a hub for nuclear research located near an operational nuclear facility. There, he contributed to research confirming that material from the Fukushima reactor core had escaped to the surrounding environment and devised methods to trace reactor materials effectively.

Recollections and Findings from Chernobyl

A profound moment during his studies occurred when he visited the Chernobyl site, where he witnessed a young boy demonstrating to experts how locals utilized gamma detectors to check the safety of carrots. “It struck me that children can grasp nuclear science and apply it practically,” he recalled.

Ang remarked on the mismanagement of the fallout from Chernobyl, noting that the Soviet government's failure to educate the public led to additional preventable tragedies.

Nuclear Waste Solutions in Singapore

Back in Singapore, Ang is diving into the complexities of nuclear safety, focusing on developing models for underground geological repositories to handle nuclear waste. His research looks into Finland's efforts to establish the world’s first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel.

“We can securely store nuclear waste underground without affecting the surface environment,” Ang explained. He addressed the misconception that Singapore lacks space for such facilities, revealing that the total volume of spent nuclear fuel produced since the 1950s could fit into just 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools, while Singapore’s Jurong Rock Caverns could accommodate 600.

“Arguments about space are common, but one advantage of nuclear technology is that waste management is quite efficient,” he added confidently.

Looking Ahead

Ang emphasized the importance of sustaining nuclear development, cautioning that nuclear energy shouldn’t be viewed as a fleeting trend. He observed that many countries saw an initial influx of talent and then stalled on new plant constructions in the 1980s, leading to a loss of expertise.

While Singapore currently has no formal plans to adopt nuclear energy, Ang remains committed to advancing the research needed to potentially realize a nuclear future in the nation. “Nuclear energy is unique in that it considers its entire lifespan and beyond,” he concluded.