- Malaysia is exploring nuclear power as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are seen as a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective energy option.
- The move to incorporate nuclear energy, endorsed by the National Energy Council, aims to diversify Malaysia’s energy mix, enhance energy security, and stabilize long-term operational costs amid rising fossil fuel price volatility.
According to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, Malaysia may include nuclear power as a key energy source in the coming years. The decision to explore nuclear energy has already been made, with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) set to lead the initiative in the country.
Rafizi emphasised that nuclear power could play a crucial role in helping the country achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as it is a cleaner energy alternative compared to fossil fuels. He confirmed that the National Energy Council had endorsed the inclusion of nuclear energy, which is likely to be featured in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) as an official part of the country’s energy strategy.
The minister also highlighted the long-term stability of nuclear energy operational costs, which are less vulnerable to the fluctuations of raw material prices such as gas and coal. Modern nuclear technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), offer significant advantages over older systems, including being smaller, safer, and more cost-effective. Rafizi explained that SMRs are more affordable to build and operate, and their compact design makes them suitable for areas with growing energy needs.
By incorporating nuclear energy, Malaysia aims to diversify its energy sources, complementing existing gas and coal power plants. This move is expected to strengthen the country’s energy security, enhancing its electricity supply and boosting the energy reserve margin, which is projected to range between 28% and 36% from 2023 to 2030. The government is currently studying the feasibility of nuclear power as part of a broader strategy to secure a sustainable and reliable energy future for the nation.