The dynamics of nuclear energy among ASEAN member states

Abstract

As of 2017, none of the Southeast Asian (SEA) states has committed to a political decision on the use of nuclear power energy. Of the ten SEA states, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia appear to have made the most progress in their nuclear power infrastructure development. Among these three states, Vietnam came closest to constructing its first nuclear power plant. Between Indonesia and Malaysia, Indonesia has the higher public acceptance in nuclear power while Malaysia appears to be struggling to win over public support. Against this background, this paper will highlight the dynamics of nuclear power in SEA by identifying the progress and the most recent updates in the region with special emphasis onThailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia given that these are the only countries in SEA, which have the experience of operating research reactors and the more developed nuclear power development programmes.