While Malaysia is considering adopting nuclear power as part of its long-term energy generation mix, we likely won’t be seeing any nuclear power plants anytime soon. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Fadillah Yusof, the final decision on nuclear energy will only be made after 2030.
At the moment, the government has not committed to building any nuclear power plants yet. Instead, it had established a dedicated nuclear power organisation. This organisation serves to evaluate the necessary frameworks, which include international treaties, domestic regulations, and human capital requirements.
Fadillah went on to say that the decision will only come once the government has studied the entire regulation and technologies involved. Moreover, public acceptance is a crucial factor, as the government can only move forward with nuclear energy if the public approves. The government must also prioritise safety and the environment.
For now, the country’s nuclear initiative is still in the analysis and preparedness stage. However, Malaysia has contacted international partners like France, Russia, the US, South Korea, and China to study technology options and regulatory compliance.
Aside from that, Fadillah mentioned the presence of Malaysian experts overseas. If nuclear energy becomes a reality in the country, these experts will be brought back to assist in its implementation. Additionally, local institutions like Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia are training students in the relevant fields.
The move to consider nuclear power is rooted in the need to secure energy from a renewable source. As the country moves away from coal, it must meet the increasing energy demands. Data centres, electrification, and advanced manufacturing clusters will further increase this demand. Currently, the government has not committed to any coal-fired power plants.
(Source: Bernama)
