Asia’ Rise As A Nuclear Titan
Asia is home to over half of the world's population and has seen significant economic growth in recent decades. This progress has led to a surge in energy demands, with many Asian countries heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels. This leaves them vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asia and the Pacific accounted for over 50% of global CO2 emissions in 2021, with over half resulting from electricity and heat production. Fossil fuels supply 75% of Asia's energy needs, with the region accounting for more than half of global fossil fuel consumption. In order to meet the region's long-term electricity needs sustainably while reducing CO2 emissions to keep up with demand, nuclear power is expected to become a potential solution for Asia.
Recent Developments in Nuclear Energy Project Across Asia
According to data from the Power Reactor Information System (PRIS), as of 2023, there are currently 57 nuclear power plants under construction worldwide, with a significant majority (67%) of these projects being undertaken in Asia. In contrast, both Europe and the United States are experiencing a decline in nuclear construction. Notably, China has emerged as the second-largest global nuclear energy producer after the United States, surpassing France in 2020. By June 2023, China's nuclear capacity reached 57 gigawatts (GW).
China, in particular, has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its nuclear industry within the last ten years. The count of reactors in China surged from 13 in 2010 to 53 in 2021, accompanied by a remarkable five-fold growth in nuclear generation capacity. This growth in China's nuclear energy reliance is occurring concurrently with the nation's shift away from coal-based energy sources. Notably, with 21 reactors presently under construction, China is poised to augment its nuclear capacity by over 40% before 2030.
South Korea is following the global trend of increasing nuclear energy's role. The country has set targets to elevate nuclear power's share of electricity generation to 32.4% by 2030 and 34.6% by 2036. These nuclear goals support South Korea's larger mission of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Notably, South Korea has reversed its previous nuclear phase-out plan, now reaffirming its dedication to nuclear power with over 23 GW of operational capacity in 2021 and 5 GW more under construction.
Japan, another significant player in the energy realm, revisits nuclear technology. With a resolute aim, the Japanese government targets 20-22% of nuclear energy in its energy mix by the close of the decade. The past ten years have seen Japanese utility companies petition for restarts of 27 reactors, of which 17 have successfully passed safety evaluations, leading to resume operations.
India is playing a major role in the global transition to clean energy. The country plans to expand nuclear power from about three percent currently to 9 to 10 % of its energy mix. It will phase out old coal plants and add nuclear capacity to provide reliable baseline power generation. Recently, India's Minister for Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, said India is developing small modular reactors (SMRs) with up to 300 MW capacity to meet its clean energy goals. The NITI Aayog think tank, chaired by the Prime Minister, is now focused on scaling up nuclear power through large reactors and new SMRs. This momentum is further underscored by a recent expression of support from French President Emmanuel Macron, signifying India's global significance. A tangible manifestation of this support comes in the form of a commitment to aid in the construction of six new reactors in Jaitapur, Maharashtra. With a projected capacity of 9,900 megawatts, this endeavour is poised to take its place as the world's largest nuclear plant, poised to cater to the energy needs of approximately 70 million households. As it strides forward, India also has ambitious plans for a thorium-powered reactor, a strategy grounded in the utilisation of this abundant non-fissile radioactive material.
Moreover, several nuclear power projects are underway across Asia. Bangladesh has two new nuclear plants under construction that are expected to begin operating in 2023 or 2024 and supply 9% of the country's electricity.
Visit to Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant during Asia Nuclear Business Platform 2018
Asia’s Leadership in Nuclear Innovation
Asia is a major center of nuclear energy innovation and deployment, home to 140 nuclear reactors and counting. Countries such as China and South Korea have made significant technological advancements in nuclear reactors tailored to their needs, positioning themselves as global leaders in the industry.
China recently connected its first high-temperature gas-cooled modular pebble bed reactor, a Generation IV demonstration project, to the grid in 2021. This marks a milestone for advanced nuclear technology. Small-scale nuclear district heating projects are also operating in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces. Furthermore, China completed the core module for the world's first commercial onshore small modular reactor in Hainan, which will provide power and freshwater when operational in 2026.
South Korea's indigenous APR1400 reactor design was first deployed at the Shin-Kori nuclear plant, with units 3 and 4 completed in 2016 and 2019. Additional APR1400 units are planned for Shin-Hanul and Shin-Kori. This cutting-edge technology has generation capacity of 1400 MW and a 60-year design lifetime, representing major advances beyond Generation III reactors. The APR1400 recently received regulatory certification in Europe and the United States, underscoring its safety and technological prowess.
South Korea and China have also begun exporting their domestically developed reactor designs. Pakistan's Karachi nuclear plant features two Chinese-supplied Hualong One reactors, the first export of this indigenous Chinese design. Construction is nearing completion. In total, Pakistan has six operable reactors provided by China. Meanwhile, South Korea is building four APR1400 units at the Barakah nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates, the first export of this Korean model.
India also made strides with its first indigenous 700 MW reactor at Kakrapar beginning commercial operation in June 2023. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India plans sixteen such indigenous 700 MW reactors to boost nuclear capacity.
Key Factors Underpinning Asia’s Ascent
Asia's emergence as a nuclear reactor powerhouse signals a transformative shift in the global energy landscape. The balance of power has shifted from West to East, with nuclear technology and energy production becoming increasingly centered in Asian nations. As Asian countries like China, India, and South Korea invest in cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and human capital, they challenge the historical dominance of Western nuclear leadership.
Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that several factors underpin Asia's ascent as a nuclear powerhouse, as follows:
Strategic Vision: Many Asian countries view nuclear energy as a crucial component of their energy security and climate change mitigation strategies. Nuclear power provides a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels and enhances energy independence.
Government Commitment: Governments across Asia have exhibited strong commitment by providing substantial funding and regulatory support for nuclear projects. This backing has facilitated the development of indigenous nuclear technologies.
Technological Innovation: Asian nations have invested heavily in research and development, leading to the creation of advanced nuclear reactor designs that prioritise safety, efficiency, and waste reduction.
Global Partnerships: Collaborations with international organisations and experienced players have enabled Asian countries to fast-track their nuclear programs by tapping into existing expertise and resources.
