Southeast Asian nations are reconsidering nuclear power as electricity consumption rises, highlighting a growing dependence on fossil fuels. This increase in demand is largely driven by new factories and electric vehicles as countries aim to set up data centres while trying to cut carbon emissions.
Currently, no Southeast Asian country operates a commercial nuclear power plant, but several are reviving long-stalled plans. On September 8, Vietnam’s state-run Petrovietnam and South Korea’s KEPCO agreed to collaborate on the Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear plant. Six days later, Singapore’s government announced it was examining nuclear energy and small modular reactors (SMRs) with an open mind but clarified that no decision had been made.
Vietnam plans to have its two Ninh Thuan plants operational by 2035 and is looking into at least one SMR project. Indonesia aims for its first nuclear facility with an initial capacity of 500 megawatts by 2032, while the Philippines is targeting 1,200 MW from that year. Thailand’s latest draft power plan includes an SMR for 2037, while Malaysia and Singapore are still at the exploration stage.
Renewed interest in nuclear energy comes in the wake of caution following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which halted several nuclear projects. However, geopolitical tensions and a 60% rise in electricity generation since 2015—primarily from coal—have shifted the energy conversation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that electricity demand in Southeast Asia will grow by an average of 5.3% annually between 2026 and 2030. Experts now view nuclear energy as a feasible solution to the intertwined challenges of climate and energy security.
Advancements in SMR technology are encouraging governments. Unlike traditional reactors, SMRs can be deployed as smaller, modular units, allowing for gradual investment. Jie-Sheng Tan-Soo from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy observes that SMRs could align better with the energy needs of smaller nations.
Despite this optimism, significant challenges remain. Even SMRs require substantial time and investment, and countries must establish independent regulatory bodies and train a skilled workforce for safe nuclear operations. Issues such as geographical susceptibility to natural disasters complicate site selection and safety planning.
Public sentiment varies across the region; for example, over 70% of Filipinos support nuclear energy, while 78% of Indonesians prefer alternatives to nuclear. Alvin Chew notes that political will, influenced by public opinion, is pivotal for nuclear adoption in Southeast Asia, where individual capabilities and energy systems differ widely.
While there is more political momentum for nuclear energy now than a decade ago, experts agree that translating ambitions into action—financing, licensing, building, and safely operating a reactor—remains a daunting challenge.
