Top 5 SMR Technologies Southeast Asia Should Consider

outheast Asia is at a big energy turning point- electricity demand is rapidly increasing, climate goals are pressing, and the region’s geography makes things tricky. The International Energy Agency’s Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2024 projects a robust 4% annual increase in electricity demand, surging from over 1,300 TWh today to more than 2,000 TWh by 2035. Meeting this growth while slashing carbon emissions is a formidable challenge, particularly in a region characterized by fragmented archipelagos, developing power grids, and limited land availability. Enter Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—compact, safe, and versatile nuclear solutions that are uniquely suited to address Southeast Asia’s energy needs. With their scalability, advanced safety features, and adaptability to diverse environments, SMRs offer a transformative path to a resilient, low-carbon future. Below, we explore five leading SMR technologies and why they are poised to redefine Southeast Asia’s energy landscape.

1. NuScale Power Module™: A Trailblazer in Modular Nuclear Innovation

The NuScale Power Module™ (NPM), developed by NuScale Power, is a global frontrunner, distinguished as the first and only SMR to receive design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Rooted in proven pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology, each NPM delivers 77 MW of electricity with a capacity factor exceeding 95%, ensuring reliable baseload power for electricity, heating, desalination, hydrogen production, and industrial applications. Its compact footprint and minimal emergency planning zone make it ideal for space-constrained or remote locations, such as Southeast Asia’s island nations. The NPM’s passive safety systems enable indefinite self-cooling without external power or operator intervention, while its robust design withstands natural disasters, cyber threats, and even aircraft impacts.

NuScale offers three plant configurations—a 4-module (308 MWe) setup for mid-sized cities, a 6-module (462 MWe) for industrial needs, and a 12-module (924 MWe) for large-scale applications like data centers or coal plant replacements. The modular design allows incremental deployment, enabling power generation to begin as additional units are added, aligning with Southeast Asia’s phased infrastructure development. Through its partner, ENTRA1 Energy, NuScale provides flexible financing models, including power purchase agreements, lease-to-operate options, and full ownership, reducing financial risks for adopting nations.

In Southeast Asia, momentum is building. Indonesia’s BRIN and PLN Indonesia Power are collaborating with NuScale to assess the feasibility of deploying NuScale’s VOYGR-6 series in West Kalimantan, while in the Philippines, energy giants Meralco and Aboitiz Power are exploring NPM deployment by the early 2030s. These partnerships signal a growing recognition of NuScale’s potential to deliver clean, reliable energy tailored to the region’s needs.

2. BWRX-300: GE Hitachi’s Cost-Efficient Powerhouse

The BWRX-300, developed by GE Hitachi, is a 300 MW(e) boiling water reactor (BWR) designed to deliver affordable, carbon-free energy with streamlined construction and advanced safety. Drawing on the U.S. NRC-licensed ESBWR technology and GE Hitachi’s six decades of BWR expertise, the BWRX-300 achieves capital cost reductions of up to 60% per MW compared to other water-cooled SMRs and large reactors. Its compact design—90% smaller in volume than traditional nuclear projects—requires 50% less concrete per MW and can be constructed in just 24–36 months, making it a compelling option for Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing economies.

The BWRX-300’s passive safety systems, adapted from the ESBWR, enable natural circulation and cooling for up to seven days without power or operator intervention, even during severe events like large Loss-of-Coolant Accidents (LOCAs). This simplicity reduces staffing, maintenance, and security costs while enhancing reliability. The reactor’s components, such as the pressure vessel, can be manufactured outside the U.S., offering flexible supply chains and competitive pricing—a critical advantage for cost-conscious markets. Its reliance on proven ESBWR technology also streamlines licensing in emerging nuclear markets.

The BWRX-300’s global traction is evident with its approval for deployment in Ontario, Canada, marking a milestone in SMR commercialization. For countries like Thailand, which is integrating SMRs into its 2024–2037 Power Development Plan, the BWRX-300’s cost-efficiency and rapid deployment make it a strategic fit for balancing energy security and decarbonization goals.

3. i-SMR: South Korea’s Versatile and Safe Solution

South Korea’s i-SMR, developed under the leadership of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), is an advanced pressurized water reactor (PWR)-based small modular reactor (SMR) producing 170 MWe per module, with scalability up to 1,360 MWe across eight units.  Designed for versatility, the i-SMR supports electricity generation, district heating, desalination, and hydrogen production, making it a multi-purpose solution for Southeast Asia’s diverse energy demands. Its integral reactor design houses all major components within the reactor vessel, eliminating external coolant piping and reducing the risk of large-scale LOCAs. With a construction cost of $3,500/kWe, a 24-month build time, and an 80-year design life, the i-SMR outperforms the industry’s 60-year standard.

Safety is paramount in the i-SMR’s design. Its passive safety system requires no external power or operator action, boasting a major accident probability of less than once in a billion years—a 1,000-fold improvement over existing advanced reactors. Boron-free operation simplifies chemical systems, while a dry reactor building avoids challenges associated with submerged components. Enhanced automation and an integrated control room further reduce operating costs, enabling efficient multi-module management.

South Korea’s proximity and strong diplomatic ties with Southeast Asia enhance the i-SMR’s appeal. The technology’s flexibility and cost-effectiveness position it as a strong contender for countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, which are exploring nuclear options to complement renewable energy and meet rising electricity demand.

4. China’s Dual SMR Innovations: HTR-PM and ACP100

China is advancing its SMR portfolio through two complementary technologies: the high-temperature gas-cooled HTR-PM and the integrated PWR-based ACP100, showcasing its commitment to diverse, cutting-edge nuclear solutions.

The HTR-PM, a collaborative project led by Tsinghua University’s Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET), reached commercial operation on December 6, 2023, after successfully completing nearly 400 licensing tests and a thorough regulatory review by China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA), culminating in a 168-hour demonstration run. This high-temperature gas-cooled reactor features two 110 MWth modules within a single reactor building, paired with one turbine to deliver 220 MWe. Its low power density design enables passive decay heat removal through conduction, radiation, and natural circulation, enhancing safety. With a 60-year design life and a 48-month construction timeline, the HTR-PM provides a robust, long-term solution for industrial heat and power generation.

The ACP100, or “Linglong One,” developed by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), delivers 125 MWe, capable of generating 1 billion kilowatt-hours annually—enough to power over 500,000 homes. As the first SMR to pass the IAEA’s safety review in 2016, it features an underground reactor layout, integrated containment, and multiple defense layers, ensuring resilience against internal and external threats. Its standardized design supports grid-ready deployment, ideal for urban and industrial settings.

China’s strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia underscore its SMR ambitions. In 2016, the China Nuclear Engineering Corporation signed an agreement with Indonesia’s BATAN to co-develop 100 MWe high-temperature gas-cooled reactors for deployment across Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and other islands, highlighting the interest across the regions.

5. RITM Series: Russia’s Proven and Adaptable SMR Platform

Russia’s RITM series, spearheaded by the RITM-200, leverages decades of expertise in marine nuclear propulsion, powering advanced icebreakers such as Arktika, Sibir, Ural, and Yakutia. Developed by JSC OKBM Afrikantov, a leading nuclear engineering firm under Rosatom, the RITM-200 is a compact pressurized water reactor (PWR) equipped with advanced safety features, including a meltdown-retention system that significantly reduces the risk of radioactive releases. As the latest evolution in marine reactors, the RITM-200 is designed for Project 22220 universal nuclear icebreakers, building on over 400 reactor-years of operational experience from Russia’s icebreaker fleet, ensuring proven reliability and performance

Its versatility is unmatched, delivering up to 200,000 cubic meters of desalinated water daily and supporting electricity generation, heating, and industrial applications. The reactor’s modular design allows scalability for diverse energy needs.

The RITM-200N (55 MWe) is the world’s first land-based SMR pilot, approved for implementation, while the RITM-200M (50 MWe) is tailored for floating nuclear power plants, offering mobile energy solutions for remote or maritime regions. Backed by Rosatom’s end-to-end expertise—from planning to decommissioning—the RITM series is a proven platform for Southeast Asia’s challenging environments.

In 2025, Rosatom is deepening ties with Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s National Energy Council supports a proposed nuclear plant in Southeast Sulawesi, while Myanmar has partnered with Rosatom for a 110 MW SMR project, scalable to 330 MW. These collaborations highlight the RITM series’ potential to deliver flexible, reliable energy across the region.

The Path Forward

Southeast Asia’s energy future hinges on solutions that balance growth, sustainability, and resilience. SMRs—exemplified by NuScale’s NPM, GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300, South Korea’s i-SMR, China’s HTR-PM and ACP100, and Russia’s RITM series—offer tailored answers to the region’s unique challenges. Their compact designs suit land-scarce and remote areas, their safety features ensure reliability in disaster-prone regions, and their scalability aligns with phased infrastructure development. From powering island grids to decarbonizing industrial hubs, SMRs are a strategic inflection point.

The global SMR market underscores this momentum, valued at $0.27 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $0.67 billion by 2025 (152.1% CAGR) and $2.71 billion by 2029 (41.7% CAGR). This growth is fueled by energy security needs, supportive regulations, and rising electricity demand—particularly from data centers and AI infrastructure—alongside the push for decentralized, low-carbon solutions.

The 10th Asia Nuclear Business Platform (ANBP) 2025, hosted by Indonesia’s National Energy Council in Jakarta from December 9–11, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to shape Southeast Asia’s nuclear trajectory. As pilot projects take shape and regional partnerships strengthen, the region is at a transformative energy era. With thoughtful planning, public engagement, and robust policy frameworks, Southeast Asia can harness SMRs to build a sustainable, resilient, and electrified future.