Unlocking ASEAN’s nuclear potential: a case for regulatory convergence on small modular reactors (SMRs) by Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald: Southeast Asia’s electricity demand is projected to rise sharply over the coming decades as industry activities expand, living standards improve and transport electrifies. At the same time, governments across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have committed to ambitious decarbonisation pathways, despite continued reliance on imported coal and gas in the energy generation mix.

Within this context, small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear power plants typically in 50–300 MW range, factory fabricated and assembled on site, could provide dependable, low carbon generation to complement renewable generation such as wind and solar. The central proposition advanced here is that technology alone will not determine whether SMRs are successfully deployed in ASEAN. Regulatory frameworks specifically on nuclear safety regulation and licensing will be required. A greater harmonised regional approach could reduce duplication, strengthen safety outcomes and improve the bankability of first deployments in ASEAN.

You can now find Mott MacDonald’s article on SMR regulatory harmonisation for ASEAN via clicking the button below.

Written by: MING TAN — Global practice lead – nuclear: defence and civil & STEPHANIE LIAW — Energy market leader Malaysia and Singapore