Malaysia Could Start Nuclear Power Development With Floating Power Units - Rosatom

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) – Malaysia could begin its nuclear power development with floating power units (FPUs) as an initial step towards establishing nuclear capacity by 2031, said Rosatom Energy Projects project director Alexander Tsibulya.

He said such units, which can be deployed along the coasts of both Peninsular and East Malaysia, present the most practical and timely option for the country as it works towards introducing nuclear energy within the next decade.

“The Malaysian government has decided that by 2031, at least some small capacity will be here. Nuclear capacity will be here in Malaysia,” said Tsibulya during a question-and-answer session today.

bootstrap slideshow

He was one of the panellists at a session called “Nuclear Power for Low-Carbon Development: from Floating Solutions to Large-Scale Domestic Nuclear Industry”, at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum here today. 

Malaysia is aiming to make nuclear energy part of the country’s energy generation mix by 2031. The nuclear energy development programme will be implemented with MyPower Corp as the coordinating body to oversee its governance.

This is in line with the provisions of the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) tabled in July this year.

bootstrap slideshow

Tsibulya said that the FPUs were well-suited for coastal nations like Malaysia, as they can be stationed offshore or near existing port infrastructure, offering a flexible and safe solution for energy diversification.

He added that the use of FPUs would also help Malaysia address regional variations in energy demand, particularly between the peninsula and East Malaysia.

“In the west of the country, on the peninsula, a large nuclear capacity, I would say at least two units of 1,200 megawatt will easily fit into the energy system because it is developing quickly,” said Tsibulya.

He pointed out that energy demand in Peninsular Malaysia is expected to surge due to rapid industrialisation and the growing number of data centres, which are driving electricity consumption.

In East Malaysia, where grid systems are smaller and most areas are located near the sea, FPUs are seen as the easier and more suitable option, although smaller land-based facilities could also be developed if required.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation between the two parties in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including increasing public awareness of nuclear technologies and their applications, as well as developing scientific and human resources.

“The memorandum also envisages the improvement of the infrastructure as well as the conduct of research to evaluate the contribution of nuclear power to the future energy mix of ASEAN nations,” Rosatom said in a statement today.

The memorandum sets the parties’ commitment to strengthening their partnerships in the nuclear energy industry in Southeast Asia.

The agreement was signed by ASEAN Centre for Energy executive director Datuk Razib Dawood and Rosatom International Network director general Vadim Titov. 

-- BERNAMA