Thorcon International proposed 500 MW floating nuclear plant in Indonesia. (Image: ThorCon)
As part of their energy transition efforts, many ASEAN countries view small modular reactors (SMRs), which have a lower electricity output, as a transitional energy solution. Indonesia has made the most progress, with 29 potential sites already confirmed. However, the overall development of SMRs in Southeast Asia still faces three major challenges.
Indonesia leads ASEAN in SMR development
Driven by economic and technological factors, Southeast Asia is expected to account for a quarter of global energy demand growth. While fossil fuels will continue to be the primary source of electricity, low-carbon energy options, including nuclear power, are among the solutions for these developing countries to pursue net-zero targets.
