Malaysia considers adoption of small modular nuclear reactors
Quick Look
Cheng Li Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, said that the government is studying small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) technology and is expected to complete four key studies in the next 12 months to determine the direction of national nuclear energy development and construction arrangements, and emphasized that public acceptance is the key to the implementation of the plan.
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Why It Matters
Malaysia has included nuclear energy in the 13th Malaysia Plan, which aims to support the long-term energy transition and its 2050 net-zero emissions target.
China News Service, Kuala Lumpur, October 26 (Reporter Liu Yuying) Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Cheng Likang stated in Parliament on the 26th that the government is studying the use of small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) to generate power, including technical options such as land-based and floating reactors. It is expected to complete four major studies in the next 12 months before deciding on the direction of national nuclear energy development and construction arrangements.
Zheng Likang said that the Ministry of Energy and Water Transformation is advancing four studies, covering nuclear power facility owner models and financing plans, site assessment and prioritization, technology assessment, and industrial development paths.
He pointed out that the government will evaluate whether different technologies meet the actual needs of the country based on the research results, and then decide on technology selection, implementation timetable and nuclear power plant construction plan.
Zheng Likang emphasized that public acceptance is a key factor in the implementation of nuclear energy plans. If the public cannot accept it, it will be difficult to advance related plans.
Malaysia has included nuclear energy in the 13th Malaysia Plan as a potential future source of electricity to support its long-term energy transition and its 2050 net-zero emissions target. At present, the Maldives government has not determined the technical route for nuclear reactors, nor has it officially approved the construction of nuclear power plants.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Four major nuclear energy studies to be completed in the next 12 months
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Selection of specific nuclear reactor technology routes
- How to assess public acceptance of nuclear energy
