Framing a Nuclear-Powered Future for ASEAN

Framing a Nuclear-Powered Future for ASEAN discusses the trajectory of nuclear energy in ASEAN countries. The report provides an overview of the policy, geopolitical, and infrastructure drivers around nuclear energy, and lays out both the domestic and regional challenges that have shaped, and will continue to determine, Southeast Asia’s energy policy and strategic approach to nuclear energy. It also presents an overview of key opportunities and developments around nuclear energy that ASEAN countries can harness, including key recommendations to address the gaps and concerns around nuclear energy development.

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Key Takeaways

• No ASEAN country currently operates a nuclear power plant, but several are exploring future deployment.
• ASEANTOM and NEC-SSN are key regional mechanisms supporting early-stage nuclear development in ASEAN.
• Global leaders such as Russia are engaging ASEAN countries through feasibility studies, training, and technology cooperation.
• ASEAN countries view small modular reactors as scalable, safer options for future clean energy deployment.
• Significant gaps in regulation, human capacity, emergency readiness, and grid infrastructure still need to be addressed.

Executive Summary

Nuclear energy is regaining global attention as a clean, reliable, and increasingly viable solution to climate and energy security challenges. Amid mounting concerns over carbon emissions, volatile fuel prices, and growing electricity demand, many countries are revisiting nuclear as part of their long-term energy strategy. In Southeast Asia, this global momentum has also sparked renewed interest in nuclear energy as a tool for sustainable development, energy diversification, and decarbonization.

Within ASEAN, several member states have begun laying the groundwork for nuclear energy development. Although no country in the region currently operates a commercial nuclear power plant, the landscape is shifting. From policy frameworks and regulatory institutions to human capital and international cooperation, preparations are under way across multiple fronts. Regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) and the Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN) have played instrumental roles in supporting knowledge exchange and capacity building.

External actors have played a significant role in shaping Southeast Asia’s nuclear aspirations. Russia and China, in particular, have emerged as key partners by providing infrastructure support, technical training, and cooperation in nuclear technology. Myanmar has signed agreements with Russia to pursue the development of its own small modular reactor, while the Philippines is actively assessing options to revive its long-dormant Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam have also outlined plans to explore nuclear power as part of their long-term energy strategies. Across the region, countries are advancing with caution—carefully weighing their energy needs against public sentiment, regulatory readiness, and safety considerations.

Despite this momentum, significant challenges remain. Regulatory gaps, public scepticism, geopolitical sensitivities, and limited technical capacity all constrain progress. Emerging technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), offer potential solutions to some of these barriers. SMRs are touted for their scalability, safety features, and suitability for remote or island communities. However, even with these advantages, SMRs cannot solve all the structural issues on their own. Real progress requires coordinated regional action and stronger political commitment.

To support ASEAN’s safe and effective development of nuclear energy, this report proposes the following strategic guidelines:

• Establish Regulatory Frameworks and Safety Standards at the Regional Level: ASEAN should work toward harmonizing nuclear safety and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that all countries meet international standards. Regional coordination will help address regulatory gaps, reduce duplication of effort, and build confidence among the public and investors.
• Invest in Human Capital and Technical Capacity Building: ASEAN must invest in education, training, and institutional capacity, including the development of nuclear engineers, scientists, technicians and regulatory professionals. Regional talent-sharing and collaboration with global institutions such as the IAEA can accelerate progress.
• Prioritise Public Engagement and Transparency: Public trust will determine the success or failure of nuclear programmes. Governments should proactively communicate nuclear plans, safety protocols, and environmental impacts through inclusive and transparent dialogue.
• Strengthen Emergency Preparedness and Nuclear Security: Robust emergency response systems and nuclear security measures must be in place before any plant is operational. ASEAN should conduct joint exercises, establish rapid response mechanisms, and share best practices to minimise risks from accidents or malicious threats.
• Commit to Long-Term Sustainability: Nuclear policy must incorporate planning for the full lifecycle of nuclear energy, including waste management, decommissioning, and environmental sustainability. ASEAN should also engage actively with international frameworks to align regional practices with global standards.
• Continue Investing in Grid Infrastructure: ASEAN countries must develop reliable grid systems by upgrading transmission networks, investing in load balancing technologies, and improving interconnectivity to accommodate baseload generation from nuclear plants and future SMRs.

With careful planning, regional cooperation, and transparent governance, nuclear power can become a viable part of Southeast Asia’s sustainable energy future.

About the Southeast Asian Public Policy Institute

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: 

• Research and policy development – in-depth research providing insights and actionable policy solutions aimed at policymakers looking to move the needle on key issues. 

• 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