New report highlights pathways to safe and effective nuclear energy development in Southeast Asia

The Institute’s May 2025 report, Framing a Nuclear-Powered Future for ASEAN, provides a comprehensive overview of the trajectory of nuclear energy development in Southeast Asia.

No ASEAN country currently operates a nuclear plant, but some are actively exploring the nuclear energy as part of their long-term energy strategies, especially in the face of the region’s evolving and diverse energy needs. Among others, the report discusses the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) as scalable and safer alternatives to traditional large nuclear reactors.

The topics explored in the report—from regional mechanisms and international cooperation to domestic policy drivers— altogether present a nuanced insight into the opportunities and challenges of nuclear energy development in Southeast Asia.

The report concludes with key strategic guidelines that ASEAN countries can adopt to support a safe and effective development of nuclear energy in the region. It calls for the establishment of harmonized nuclear safety and regulatory frameworks, investment in human capital, and regional cooperation.

Click here to access the full report.

About South East Asia Public Policy Institute (SEAPPI):

The Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute is a research institute based in Bangkok and Singapore, working across the region. The Institute’s mission is to support the development of solutions to the most pressing public policy challenges facing Southeast Asia in the 21st century. The Institute works on a range of issues across sustainability, technology, public health, trade, and governance. It convenes dialogues with stakeholders and decision makers to drive discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing markets in the region. The Institute draws on a network of in-market researchers, advisors, and partners to provide insights and recommendations for governments, policymakers, and businesses. The Institute collaborates with partners on projects to explore and drive discussion on policy challenges through: 

• Policy dialogues and roundtables – to present policy ideas and start a dialogue with the most relevant stakeholders holding the pen on policy development in markets across the region. The Institute is founded on the premise that direct connection and candid, informed dialogue is crucial for both policymakers and business.
• Research and policy development – in-depth research providing insights and actionable policy solutions aimed at policymakers looking to move the needle on key issues.