MODULAR NUCLEAR ENERGY USE IN DATA CENTRES CAN ATTRACT MORE INVESTMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The government has been urged to explore and consider modular nuclear energy as an alternative energy source in the data centre sector to attract more investments into the country.

Batu Pahat Member of Parliament (MP) Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat) believes that using modular nuclear energy in data centres could help Malaysia achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

He said that modular nuclear energy is an efficient, clean, and cost-effective source in the medium to long term compared to other energy sources, and could potentially replace coal-based energy by 2040.

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“Companies like Amazon and Google have said that they want their data centres to be powered by modular nuclear energy.

“This energy source ensures stability and efficiency of supply, so it is possible that data centres in Malaysia would also want to adopt this source,” he said during the policy-level debate on the Supply Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He also suggested that the government take steps to raise public awareness about the importance, safety, and cost-efficiency of this energy source.

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“If the government doesn’t adopt modular nuclear energy, what other alternative sources will be used to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and move away from coal-based energy?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing) proposed that the government pay special attention to the green economy and sustainability in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

He observed that the integration of green initiatives in the development of the zone remains unclear.

"Without a commitment to eco-friendly technology and green energy, we might fall behind in positioning Johor as an attractive investment destination in the global energy transition era," he added.

-- BERNAMA