Can Asean decarbonise without nuclear power?

As Southeast Asia faces the daunting task of decarbonising its energy sector while maintaining reliable electricity supply, nuclear power is emerging as a potential solution to complement renewable energy. With eight countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) committing to reach net-zero emissions in the coming decades, the challenge lies in finding a balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

While renewable energy sources like solar and hydropower are crucial for the region's energy transition, their intermittent nature poses system stability concerns. This is where nuclear energy comes into play, as several Asean countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are considering nuclear power as part of their low-carbon electricity strategy.

Malaysia is also exploring nuclear energy as part of its long-term plan, with MyPower Corporation designated as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO) to lead this effort. The Malaysia Programme Office for Power Electricity Reform (MyPower Corporation) has embarked on four key areas of study to assess the country's readiness for nuclear energy: policy and regulatory, project development, stakeholder engagement, and human capital development.

These studies aim to determine Malaysia's suitability for incorporating nuclear energy into its electricity mix. Rather than viewing nuclear power as an alternative to renewable energy, it should be seen as a complementary technology that can help meet Malaysia's energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. As Malaysia transitions away from coal-fired power plants by 2044, nuclear energy could provide the necessary baseload generation to support a reliable and affordable electricity system.