SINGAPORE has the potential to be a research hub in Asia for the nascent but fast-growing field of nuclear fusion – a form of nuclear power that mimics how the sun generates energy – say industry players.

While nuclear fusion is not yet commercially viable, research in this field has boomed as countries race to develop new sources of renewable energy. Experts told The Business Times that Singapore can contribute to nuclear fusion development in areas such as materials science and advanced manufacturing.

“We see that Singapore is a perfect match for fusion,” said Warrick Matthews, chief executive of UK-based Tokamak Energy, one of a growing number of startups aiming to commercialise nuclear fusion as soon as the 2030s.