Malaysia is making one more step towards using nuclear energy as its long-term energy transition strategy. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) says that a pre-feasibility study showing potential for stable, clean and reliable source of energy.
Its minister, Chang Lih Kang, said that the establishment of six task forces have been proposed. “Three technical task forces have been entrusted to MOSTI, focusing on technology and industrial development, the development of nuclear competence and expertise, as well as the legal and regulatory framework”, he added.
Currently, Chang says that there are 323 nuclear researchers under the Malaysian Nuclear Agency. In addition, there are 36 science officers under the Atomic Energy Department, with 61 of them holding qualifications in nuclear science and engineering.
Beyond that, he also says that Malaysia has signed a strategic civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the US recently, on 10 July. This will complement existing partnerships with China and Russia “to strengthen Malaysia’s efforts in developing a well-planned nuclear energy generation program”.
Beyond just power generation, Chang also says that nuclear tech will be used in climate and environmental research. “This includes isotopic techniques for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, landslide management, ocean acidification and groundwater lifespan”, he said.
