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Southeast Asia’s Bold Nuclear Comeback: The Race For Cleaner, Greener Power Begins

Southeast Asia is reigniting interest in nuclear energy for cleaner, reliable power. Countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam are exploring advanced technologies despite past safety concerns and high costs.

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Southeast Asia’s Bold Nuclear Comeback: The Race For Cleaner, Greener Power Begins

Southeast Asia’s only nuclear power plant, located in Bataan, Philippines, stands as a relic of the past—completed over four decades ago but never operational due to safety concerns and corruption allegations. Built in the 1970s, this facility has never generated a single watt of energy. However, with the escalating demand for clean, reliable power, the Philippines and its regional neighbours are revisiting nuclear energy as a viable solution.

Nuclear Power: A Climate-Friendly Option

Advocates of nuclear energy highlight its potential as a climate-friendly alternative since it does not emit greenhouse gases like coal, gas, or oil. Technological advancements have made modern reactors safer, more cost-effective, and compact. According to Faith Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2025 is projected to be a record-breaking year for nuclear-generated electricity due to new plants, innovative national policies, and interest in small modular reactors (SMRs).

Globally, nuclear power accounts for about 10% of electricity production, with 413 gigawatts of capacity spread across 32 countries. The IEA emphasises the urgent need to accelerate nuclear plant construction to meet global emission reduction targets.

Southeast Asia’s Growing Nuclear Ambitions

The region is poised to account for a quarter of the global energy demand growth by 2035, with fossil fuels currently dominating its energy landscape. To diversify, countries like Indonesia plan to establish 20 nuclear power plants, while Vietnam has revived its nuclear ambitions after halting projects due to cost concerns. The Philippines is considering reviving its Bataan plant with South Korean assistance, and nations like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar are exploring nuclear options.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite growing interest, nuclear projects face significant hurdles. High construction costs, long timelines, and the need for substantial financial backing remain barriers. Vietnam, for example, suspended a project in 2016 due to soaring costs but recently signed an atomic energy cooperation deal with Russia. While international financing is increasing, institutions like the World Bank still abstain from funding nuclear projects.

Developing comprehensive nuclear policies and regulatory frameworks is crucial to attract investors and ensure safety. SMRs are seen as promising due to their affordability and faster deployment, though critics question their commercial viability, citing inflated costs in early projects.

Safety Concerns and Future Prospects

Past nuclear disasters, such as Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011, have left lasting apprehensions. These events influenced decisions in countries like the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia to halt or reconsider nuclear initiatives. Additionally, the concentration of nuclear technology markets, particularly Russia’s dominance in enriched uranium supply, poses strategic risks.

Addressing these challenges requires robust safety measures, effective waste management, and skilled personnel. Vietnam, for instance, estimates a need for around 2,400 trained experts to support its nuclear resurgence.

As Southeast Asia navigates the complexities of adopting nuclear energy, the region stands at a pivotal juncture. Balancing energy demands, environmental goals, and safety concerns will shape its nuclear future.