Nuclear Power An Option To Strengthen ASEAN’s Energy Security - Fadillah

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said nuclear power, especially new technologies like small modular reactors, is being considered as a potential option to strengthen energy security and support ASEAN’s shift towards a low-carbon energy future.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), stated that for Malaysia, the government is examining the role of nuclear power in its long-term energy strategy to ensure energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

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“Guided by international best practices and in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) milestone approach, we are taking careful and transparent steps to build the institutional, technical, and human resource foundations necessary to make informed decisions on nuclear energy development,” he said.

Fadillah said this in his keynote address at the ASEAN-Korea Sustainable Nuclear Energy Cooperation Forum, held on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum, here today. He added that the collaboration with partners in South Korea and across ASEAN is invaluable. 

South Korea's advanced experience in nuclear technology and safety, coupled with ASEAN's growing energy demand and complementary sustainability, provides a strong basis for mutual learning, technology sharing, and capacity building, he added.

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Meanwhile, the ambassador of South Korea to Malaysia, Yeo Seungbae, said that as ASEAN emerged as a hub for AI and digital centres, rapid organisation and population growth have combined to make the region one of the world's fastest-growing regions in terms of electricity demand.

Citing ASEAN Centre of Energy’s (ACE) estimate, Yeo noted that the region is projected to install approximately 5.2 gigawatts of nuclear power generation capacity by 2050. He said that in line with this outlook, many ASEAN members are now taking concrete steps toward nuclear production, also in close partnership with South Korea.

He said Malaysia, for example, is now following a comprehensive clean feasibility study, which has assessed nuclear power as a stable, clean, and reliable source of electricity.

“As reflected in the 13th Malaysia Plan, the country is now taking preparatory steps to include nuclear energy in its power mix by 2031.  South Korea's active involvement in these ASEAN nuclear initiatives is no coincidence. It is a testament to Korea's proven record of efforts, particularly in the two pillars, safety and cost-effectiveness that define successful nuclear performance,” he added.

Yeo said South Korea is currently operating 26 nuclear reactors that safely supply about 30 per cent of its nation's electricity, positioning the country as one of the world's leading nuclear power countries.

 -- BERNAMA