Nuclear energy is a powerful low-carbon energy source, but one historically fraught with complex regulatory, societal, and geopolitical implications. After the construction of new nuclear power plants surged in Europe and North America during the 1960s and 1970s, it has remained relatively stagnant globally, outside of China, Russia, and South Korea.

However, new developments suggest this period of stagnation may be coming to an end. Around the world, including the ASEAN region, governments recognise the urgent need to decarbonise energy systems in pursuit of net zero targets. In response, many are showing renewed interest in nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon energy source.

At the same time, global disruptions underscore the importance of energy security and stable baseload power. Spain recently experienced one of the worst blackouts in Europe’s history, triggered in part by the intermittency of renewable sources like solar and wind, leaving millions across the Iberian Peninsula without electricity. Such incidents reinforce the case for integrating resilient sources like nuclear into future power planning.

With an ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Malaysia too has been exploring the feasibility of nuclear energy as a clean and reliable power source to meet its rising energy demands. There is a compelling case to consider nuclear power in diversifying Malaysia’s energy mix of the future, thereby creating a more secure, resilient energy system.

Revisiting Malaysia’s nuclear journey  

As Malaysia transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels like coal and gas for electricity generation, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) aims to gradually increase the share of renewable energy (RE) in the installed capacity mix to 70% by 2050.

Nonetheless, one key challenge is that renewable sources like hydro and solar are currently unreliable given they are weather dependent. What’s more, climate change could impact expected weather patterns in the future, posing further systemic risks to energy security and resiliency with the greater integration of renewables into the energy system.

Nuclear energy, on the other hand, can provide a stable baseload electricity supply as it is not intermittent or weather dependent. Advanced economies like France have relied extensively on nuclear energy for over 60 years, contributing nearly 75% of the country’s energy production during peak periods.

Within ASEAN, Singapore, The Philippines, and Indonesia have all signed partnerships with the U.S. to develop nuclear power, while Thailand has signed an MoU with China for nuclear cooperation. As our closest neighbours embark on their nuclear journeys, Malaysia is once again dialing up its exploration plans for a nuclear programme.

Back in 2011, Malaysia established the Malaysia Nuclear Power Cooperation (MPNC) as a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO) following guidelines by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The MPNC embarked on various initiatives aimed at developing two operational nuclear power plants in the country by the year 2021.

Nonetheless, these plans were later indefinitely postponed, ultimately leading to the disbandment of the MPNC in 2018. Despite this, Malaysia was regarded as one of the most prepared nations in ASEAN to operate a nuclear power plant, with the IAEA commending the nation’s groundwork as exemplary for newcomer countries.

Building trust and public awareness

With a leading edge in terms of nuclear talent and infrastructure, Malaysia’s past nuclear experience makes it well-positioned to renew its nuclear ambitions. Moreover, decades of progress in nuclear technology and waste-management practices are helping to allay historical concerns associated with safety and radioactive waste management.

Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), YAB Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof said given Malaysia’s growing energy demand – driven by industrial requirements, data centre expansions, and the adoption of electric vehicles – the nation is exploring all potential solutions for its energy needs, which includes reviewing its nuclear undertakings.

To this end, his Ministry has commissioned studies through the MyPower Corporation, supported by findings from the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia). These studies focus on advanced nuclear technologies, safety measures, security, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement, particularly with the public.

Public support is essential for any successful nuclear programme, making early and transparent engagement a top priority for Malaysia. Historical fears about nuclear must give way to fact-based understanding. Today’s nuclear technology is safer, more efficient, and engineered with cutting-edge safeguards, making it one of the cleanest, most reliable, and ultimately cost-effective energy sources available for a low-carbon future.

As Malaysia continues to explore the potential of nuclear energy, establishing transparent, two-way dialogue is critical for building public trust and confidence. Meanwhile, promoting nuclear literacy and knowledge through public awareness campaigns and other targeted outreach can enable more informed discussions on energy policies.

Robust nuclear literacy is also vital for maintaining a competent nuclear workforce that can oversee and operate domestic nuclear infrastructure. Systematic education, training, and capacity-building can empower informed citizens to serve as ambassadors of nuclear potential, while ensuring the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy.

Shaping a shared nuclear future

Given Malaysia is still in its exploratory stages, learning from more mature nuclear countries like France and Japan will be important for gaining access to technical expertise and best practices. Knowledge-sharing with nuclear-ready neighbors like Vietnam and Indonesia can also help Malaysia benchmark progress and learn from shared experiences.

Co-developing pilot projects with regional and global partners can help Malaysia test its readiness and build investor as well as public confidence in nuclear feasibility. With ASEAN moving closer to shared energy goals, Malaysia can also leverage its leadership position to drive regional nuclear dialogue and establish a framework for future integration.

As the Chair for ASEAN this year, Malaysia, through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) has already committed to share the nation’s expertise and infrastructure in the field of nuclear technology with other ASEAN member countries, alongside other key areas like medicine and healthcare, food and agriculture, and the manufacturing of devices.

Malaysia is also willing to share its experience in developing the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030). The implementation of the DTNN 2030 is expected to contribute RM2.403 billion to the national economy by 2030, with an annual growth of 10 per cent in the export value of local nuclear technology-related products.

Nuklear Malaysia is also set to host the 8th Annual Meeting of the ASEAN Network on Nuclear Power Safety Research (NPSR). This presents a unique opportunity for Malaysia to demonstrate its commitment to nuclear safety and position itself as a responsible leader in shaping ASEAN’s collective nuclear future.

Nurturing nuclear to maturity

Nuclear energy is gradually shifting from concept to reality in Malaysia’s sustainable energy future. The road ahead might be long, but its first steps have already begun. While policy signals and global commitments lay a promising foundation, achieving nuclear maturity requires systemic readiness on legal, social, and technical fronts.

Taking a phased and inclusive approach supported by transparent dialogue, public education, and collaboration with regional and global partners will empower Malaysia’s nuclear readiness. Done right, Malaysia’s nuclear journey could set the pace for ASEAN, positioning the nation as a responsible, forward-thinking energy player on the global stage.