Malaysia could adopt nuclear power as one of its energy sources in the coming years, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. The decision on the country’s potential use of nuclear energy has been made, and this will be undertaken by the Ministry of Energy Transition & Water Transformation (Petra) and the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (Mosti), the New Straits Times reported.
“Since the decision has been made by the National Energy Council and endorsed by the Cabinet, nuclear energy is likely to be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) as one of the country’s official energy sources,” Rafizi told reporters after the National OGSE (Oil & Gas, Services & Equipment) Blueprint Forum 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Operational costs for the lifespan of nuclear energy are more secure because these do not depend on the fluctuations of raw material prices, such as gas or coal, Rafizi noted. Current nuclear technology is different from that of the past which required large facilities, he added. “At present, there are small modular reactors (SMRs) that are smaller, safer, and do not require high costs. SMRs will make it easier and cheaper to use in areas that need energy compared to conventional energy sources. Due to these factors, especially the SMR technology, the government has decided to study the feasibility of nuclear energy in Malaysia,” he said.
Asked whether the government would fund the implementation of nuclear energy, Rafizi said the government is only establishing a comprehensive framework, including international regulations. He said the current industrial model for power generation sees project implementation driven by the private sector.
“In the initial phase, the government will focus on the framework and ensure that Malaysia complies with international regulations. I believe that for the energy sector to be involved in nuclear energy, decisions and regulations will likely be made and overseen by the Energy Commission,” he said.
