Small modular reactors gain traction in Southeast Asia to cut emissions

Manila Electric and Aboitiz Power collaborate with USNC to develop SMRs in the Philippines. (Photo: USNC)

Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, officially took office and mentioned in his inaugural speech the promotion of a second energy transition and the development of diverse green energy sources. However, he did not mention the non-nuclear homeland policy, sparking speculation about potential relaxation in future energy transition policies.

In Southeast Asia, where there are currently no commercial large-scale nuclear power plants, even countries facing severe power shortages are hesitant to embrace nuclear power rashly. Consequently, small modular reactors (SMRs), which are smaller and produce less nuclear waste, are gaining traction, particularly in Thailand and the Philippines.