IAEA maps out 5-stage plan for first nuclear plant: Which two ASEAN countries lead?

Southeast Asia countries consider nuclear power as tech growth fuels low-carbon energy demand. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)

Data centers and other technology-driven growth are boosting demand for low-carbon energy, and nuclear power has emerged as one of the options under consideration across Southeast Asia. But building a large nuclear power plant typically takes at least a decade from planning to operation.

To help regional governments assess this pathway, the International Energy Agency (IEA) hosted the second session of its Southeast Asia Nuclear Dialogue series on Aug. 14, inviting John Haddad, Head of Nuclear Infrastructure Development at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to share the conditions and processes involved in developing nuclear power plants.

Vietnam, Philippines lead ASEAN nuclear plans

According to IAEA data, 23 countries worldwide have decided to pursue their first nuclear power plants. 

Within ASEAN, Vietnam and the Philippines are the most advanced, currently in the preparation stage (Phase 2). Others—including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia—remain in the initial consideration phase (Phase 1).