The need to sustain economic development amid global energy security worries – now compounded by highly uncertain oil prices and the devastation wrought by COVID-19 – means that policymakers must carefully evaluate options to future-proof against uncertainties. In practical terms, countries must meet rising energy demand caused by rapidly growing populations, while also transitioning to clean energy sources that minimize environmental harm and economic risk to stakeholders.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have garnered increased attention around the world for their potential to provide low carbon energy that is easier to finance, quicker to deploy, and more flexible to site than conventional large nuclear technology. As we look to the coming decades, could SMRs offer new opportunities to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)? When and how will ASEAN Member States benefit from this new technology?

ASEAN’s pre-feasibility report on establishing nuclear power plants in the region, released in 2018, reflects the region’s collective ambition towards reaping the benefits of nuclear power by 2030 and 2050, especially among the regional frontrunners: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. More recently, the Philippines and Indonesia have both taken steps signalling a renewed interest in nuclear power’s potential.

Considering that ASEAN and the International Atomic Energy Agency signed a number of Practical Agreements in 2019 to increase technical and scientific exchanges, it is only a question of when rather than if nuclear will enter ASEAN’s energy mix. Now is the time for ASEAN to identify the success factors for nuclear energy deployment in the region. While safety, security and safeguards are of natural importance, the economics, financing, and many other practical aspects of nuclear power project developments are crucial for a successful civilian nuclear programme.

In this webinar, we aim to

• Convene experts in the nuclear power industry to discuss the opportunities and challenges in making SMRs an economical option for decarbonisation.
• Explore the potential for novel approaches to SMR development and application in ASEAN.
• Facilitate the exchange of experience among participants in developing and promoting next generation SMRs for the global market.
• Foster collaboration between the Energy Studies Institute and workshop participants in nuclear energy policy research.