17 October 2025
NTS Bulletin October 2025
Nuclear Power and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
By Julius Cesar Trajano
Growing energy needs, the escalating climate crisis, and the global sustainable development agenda have fuelled renewed interest in and adoption of nuclear energy. Southeast Asia is a region where nuclear power is now being seriously considered by various countries as their main clean energy source. A pivotal moment came in 2015 with the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which accelerated shifts across the global economy—particularly in the energy sector.
How Nuclear Power Supports SDG 7
Nuclear power has proven to be a reliable, zero-carbon energy source which many countries are now considering or adopting as part of their energy mix, and as part of their efforts to meet SDG 7. Addressing Affordable and Clean Energy, nuclear power helps attain both decarbonisation and energy security.
In Southeast Asia, several countries—particularly the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia—are now involved in preparatory steps to build their first operable nuclear power plants. The evolving energy landscape has powered growing interest in the Asia-Pacific in next-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), micro modular reactors (MMRs), and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). Advocates highlight their potential uses across diverse sectors such as heavy industry, maritime transport, data centres, and remote communities.
In reality, Southeast Asia’s initial venture into commercial nuclear power is more likely to emerge from a large conventional reactor rather than an untested technology. The Philippines is exploring the possible revival of the long-suspended Westinghouse-constructed nuclear power plant in Bataan, while Vietnam has renewed its collaboration with Rosatom to develop new pressurised water reactors, aiming for an ambitious completion goal of 2030.
Indonesia is also aiming to introduce commercial nuclear power by the late 2030s to address its rapidly growing electricity demand. The country is engaging a wide range of suppliers, from established reactor vendors to developers of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). However, the trajectory of its programme largely depends on whether technology indigenisation is pursued through joint ventures with foreign partners or not.
Key Capacity Building and Public Acceptance Issues
To be able to make nuclear energy in Southeast Asia a sustainable energy source in the future, whether countries will choose to build conventional NPPs or procure SMRs, social acceptance, nuclear education and capacity building need to be broadened at both regional and national levels.
Achieving public trust is critical especially for countries preparing for nuclear power. A long-term commitment to nuclear power requires sustained social acceptance, which can evolve over time. Governments must engage all stakeholders to build strong buy-in, foster public trust, and address related societal concerns. Building public trust in nuclear energy requires early investment in education and awareness campaigns, coupled with meaningful opportunities for public participation in decision-making. At the same time, it is essential to systematically respond to public concerns, particularly around the risks involved, to ensure confidence and credibility in the development of nuclear energy.
Workforce training remains a major priority for countries preparing to launch local nuclear power programmes. National nuclear energy institutions are recalibrating their capacity building strategies to expand their pool of local nuclear professionals as well as raise their ability to assess emerging nuclear reactor technologies, including SMRs.
For example, in July 2025, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) was launched with an expanded research scope, additional funding and an aim to train 100 nuclear experts by 2030, mainly to help Singapore better assess the suitability of deploying nuclear reactors. Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is working to strengthen human resource capacity in nuclear technology to meet future national workforce requirements. This includes the goal of training 4,900 nuclear specialists by 2040 to support the operation of nuclear power plants.
Regional and Global Partnerships
In this regard, continued assistance and support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), and dialogue partners is vital. Particularly within areas of capacity building, advanced training, technical guidance, and shared best practices, this will further enhance national capabilities in ensuring that nuclear energy applications in the region will be safe and secure while contributing to realising SDG 7.
Looking forward, nuclear energy development in the Asia-Pacific is set on an upward path. While challenges persist in governance, regulatory capacity, and work-force development, the region is increasingly supported by a strengthening web of international and regional cooperation.
Nuclear Power and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
By Julius Cesar Trajano
Growing energy needs, the escalating climate crisis, and the global sustainable development agenda have fuelled renewed interest in and adoption of nuclear energy. Southeast Asia is a region where nuclear power is now being seriously considered by various countries as their main clean energy source. A pivotal moment came in 2015 with the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which accelerated shifts across the global economy—particularly in the energy sector.
How Nuclear Power Supports SDG 7
Nuclear power has proven to be a reliable, zero-carbon energy source which many countries are now considering or adopting as part of their energy mix, and as part of their efforts to meet SDG 7. Addressing Affordable and Clean Energy, nuclear power helps attain both decarbonisation and energy security.
In Southeast Asia, several countries—particularly the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia—are now involved in preparatory steps to build their first operable nuclear power plants. The evolving energy landscape has powered growing interest in the Asia-Pacific in next-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), micro modular reactors (MMRs), and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). Advocates highlight their potential uses across diverse sectors such as heavy industry, maritime transport, data centres, and remote communities.
In reality, Southeast Asia’s initial venture into commercial nuclear power is more likely to emerge from a large conventional reactor rather than an untested technology. The Philippines is exploring the possible revival of the long-suspended Westinghouse-constructed nuclear power plant in Bataan, while Vietnam has renewed its collaboration with Rosatom to develop new pressurised water reactors, aiming for an ambitious completion goal of 2030.
Indonesia is also aiming to introduce commercial nuclear power by the late 2030s to address its rapidly growing electricity demand. The country is engaging a wide range of suppliers, from established reactor vendors to developers of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). However, the trajectory of its programme largely depends on whether technology indigenisation is pursued through joint ventures with foreign partners or not.
Key Capacity Building and Public Acceptance Issues
To be able to make nuclear energy in Southeast Asia a sustainable energy source in the future, whether countries will choose to build conventional NPPs or procure SMRs, social acceptance, nuclear education and capacity building need to be broadened at both regional and national levels.
Achieving public trust is critical especially for countries preparing for nuclear power. A long-term commitment to nuclear power requires sustained social acceptance, which can evolve over time. Governments must engage all stakeholders to build strong buy-in, foster public trust, and address related societal concerns. Building public trust in nuclear energy requires early investment in education and awareness campaigns, coupled with meaningful opportunities for public participation in decision-making. At the same time, it is essential to systematically respond to public concerns, particularly around the risks involved, to ensure confidence and credibility in the development of nuclear energy.
Workforce training remains a major priority for countries preparing to launch local nuclear power programmes. National nuclear energy institutions are recalibrating their capacity building strategies to expand their pool of local nuclear professionals as well as raise their ability to assess emerging nuclear reactor technologies, including SMRs.
For example, in July 2025, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) was launched with an expanded research scope, additional funding and an aim to train 100 nuclear experts by 2030, mainly to help Singapore better assess the suitability of deploying nuclear reactors. Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is working to strengthen human resource capacity in nuclear technology to meet future national workforce requirements. This includes the goal of training 4,900 nuclear specialists by 2040 to support the operation of nuclear power plants.
Regional and Global Partnerships
In this regard, continued assistance and support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), and dialogue partners is vital. Particularly within areas of capacity building, advanced training, technical guidance, and shared best practices, this will further enhance national capabilities in ensuring that nuclear energy applications in the region will be safe and secure while contributing to realising SDG 7.
Looking forward, nuclear energy development in the Asia-Pacific is set on an upward path. While challenges persist in governance, regulatory capacity, and work-force development, the region is increasingly supported by a strengthening web of international and regional cooperation.
