The Malaysian government (Putrajaya) has recently announced that it is undertaking a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility of incorporating nuclear energy into its energy mix, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
Assessing key factors for viability
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof confirmed that the country is exploring various technologies and collaborating internationally to ensure a safe, efficient and cost-effective implementation.
He said the study aims to assess various factors, including the suitability of locations near water sources for cooling systems.
“For Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, nuclear projects are viable because what we need now is a constant energy source,” he said, according to Bernama.
“In Sarawak, there is no issue because hydropower already contributes almost 70 percent, while in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, hydropower resources are not as abundant due to their heavier reliance on gas and diesel, which are still based on non-clean sources.”
Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, mentioned that the government’s investigation would also include the development of local expertise, safety aspects, environmental impact and financial considerations.
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Putrajaya’s cautious approach
Meanwhile, the minister emphasised Putrajaya’s cautious approach to the initiative, revealing that a dedicated nuclear power organisation had already been established to study all necessary frameworks, including international treaties, domestic regulations and human capital requirements.
“Only when we are satisfied and the public accepts the use of nuclear energy will we proceed to finalise the implementation … our projection is that the earliest it could be implemented is within the next 10 years,” the official stated.
The deputy premier noted that in order to identify the best, safest and most cost-effective technologies, the government is planning several international visits, including trips to Russia, France, and future visits to South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States.
No rush to reactor
While Malaysia declared its plans to venture into nuclear exploration, Fadillah clarified that the government has not yet committed to building a nuclear power plant.
He asserted that the final decision on whether to proceed with nuclear power generation will not be made until after 2030.
The minister underscored that the government recognises the significant implications of nuclear power for the nation and pledged that every decision would be made carefully to avoid rushing into a potentially complex and high-stakes undertaking.
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