Southeast Asian nations are reconsidering nuclear power development to address surging energy demand and reduce emissions. Several countries in the region are reviving previous nuclear plans, with nearly half potentially integrating nuclear energy into their grids by the 2030s if current goals are met. Geopolitical events, such as the conflict in Iran impacting energy supplies, have increased the urgency for alternative energy sources.
Nearly half of Southeast Asian nations could integrate nuclear energy into their grids by the 2030s, driven by surging energy demand and a push to reduce emissions.
Regional Initiatives: A Closer Look
Countries across Southeast Asia are actively pursuing or reviving their nuclear ambitions:
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Vietnam: Advancing a nuclear power deal with Russia and building two plants designated as "nationally significant, strategic projects." Its revised atomic energy law took effect in January.
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Indonesia: Included nuclear in its energy plan last year, aiming to construct two small modular reactors by 2034. Canada and Russia have submitted cooperation proposals.
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Thailand: Set a target in 2023 to add 600 megawatts of nuclear generating capacity by 2037, viewing it as a "promising solution" for electricity demand.
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Philippines: Launched a new atomic energy regulatory authority in 2023, aiming for a 2032 target and approving an investment roadmap in February. The country previously built a nuclear plant in the 1970s that was never activated.
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Malaysia: Revived its nuclear program in 2023, targeting atomic energy online by 2031. This is partly driven by its ambition to become Southeast Asia's AI computing hub.
Drivers for Nuclear Adoption
Several critical factors are fueling the region's renewed interest in nuclear power:
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Surging Energy Demand and the AI Boom:
Increased energy demand, particularly from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence-focused data centers, is a significant factor. Malaysia alone has over 500 operational data centers, with hundreds more under construction or planned.A standard AI data center can consume as much electricity as 100,000 households, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
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Emissions Reduction and Energy Security:
Additionally, pressure to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security amid volatile fossil fuel costs, as demonstrated by Middle East conflicts, are pushing countries toward nuclear power. Some nations without immediate plans, such as Cambodia, Singapore, and Brunei, have also signaled interest in exploring nuclear potential.
Global Context and Challenges
Southeast Asia's renewed interest aligns with a global trend, as nearly 40 nations aim to triple installed nuclear energy capacity by 2050. The region is projected to account for almost a fourth of the 157 gigawatts expected from "newcomer nuclear nations" by mid-century, according to the World Nuclear Association.
Despite the momentum, concerns persist regarding nuclear safety, waste management, and supply chain issues. Public resistance has historically followed significant nuclear incidents, such as Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011.
Analysts caution that countries starting a nuclear industry from scratch should carefully consider the possibility of accidents and compare nuclear to other alternatives like renewable energy.