Experts discuss the potential role of nuclear energy in Southeast Asia’s energy future and the challenges to its implementation.
Nuclear energy could play a crucial role in Southeast Asia’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable power sources, contributing to the ASEAN regional grid by potentially replacing fossil fuels like coal, experts discussed during a roundtable on nuclear energy held on October 24, 2024, at the Singapore International Energy Week. Dr. Victor Nian, Founding Co-Chair of the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources, emphasized that the ASEAN grid could benefit from sharing renewable energy, with nuclear energy providing a stable and dispatchable supply to offset the intermittency of solar and wind power.
The region currently faces challenges as it moves away from coal, which is a major source of energy, and seeks alternatives like natural gas and renewables. Nuclear energy, particularly through small modular reactors (SMRs), offers a low-carbon, stable power option, making it suitable for space-constrained areas such as Singapore or remote islands. SMRs are seen as an emerging technology that could expand the potential for nuclear energy across Southeast Asia.
Panelists also highlighted the growing appetite for nuclear power in Asia, with experts like Mr. Lee Jin Young from Hyundai Engineering and Construction predicting that nuclear energy could comprise 10% of the energy mix in Asia by 2050 if SMRs are commercialized. Currently, the share of nuclear in the Asia-Pacific region stands at 5%. However, experts pointed out that political cooperation and policy shifts would be essential for the successful deployment of nuclear energy in the region.
Dr. Nian noted that the journey to integrate nuclear energy in Southeast Asia would be long-term, involving regional collaboration on regulatory frameworks, nuclear waste management, and lessons from international experiences. He stressed the importance of a regional approach to ensure the shared benefits of nuclear power among ASEAN countries.
