Unlocking ASEAN's Nuclear Future: Progress in Nuclear Power Plant Development

ASEAN is now on the cusp of a new nuclear energy era as growing interest in nuclear power development has emerged across various ASEAN member states due to its potential to address two critical issues: energy security and combating climate change. This region is currently facing a surge in population and economic growth, which has caused electricity demand to increase threefold by 2050. Massive reliance on fossil fuels over the past few years has also significantly contributed to carbon emissions, driving many ASEAN countries to set ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality (Net Zero Emissions/NZE) by 2050 or 2060 by diversifying the energy mix and transitioning from fossil fuels to low-carbon sources. Recently, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are showing the most prominent advancements in nuclear power program developments in ASEAN. Nuclear energy, as a low-carbon electricity source during its operation, offers a strategic choice with increasingly advanced technology. Therefore, what is the current progress, and what can we expect next from ASEAN member states?

Indonesia

Indonesia is currently at a strategic point in developing nuclear power program. Since the release of the Electricity Supply Business Plan (Rencana Usaha Penyediaan Tenaga Listrik, RUPTL) 2025-2034 on May 26, 2025, Indonesia has explicitly stated its movement plan to realize its first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) with a target operation in 2032 and 2033. This first NPP is targeted to have a total power capacity of 500 MW, divided into two plants, each with a capacity of 250 MW. The government has also informed that this NPP will be built on the Sumatra and Kalimantan grid systems, specifically around Bangka Belitung and West Kalimantan. With the construction of this 500 MW NPP, the government aims to increase the new and renewable energy mix to 34.3% by the next decade.

The strong commitment outlined in RUPTL 2025-2034 has also brought about a shift in energy policy and concrete steps in forging global nuclear partnerships. As of now, Indonesia is considering the nuclear power plant technology to be implemented. However, the exploration of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies remains a strong candidate due to its greater efficiency and flexibility compared to conventional nuclear technology. In addition, the implementation of Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) is also being considered, which is highly suitable for Indonesia's geographical conditions. Existing FNPP models, such as the RITM-200 developed by Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, could be adapted for implementation in Indonesia with certain modifications, such as without an ice breaker in conventional FNPPs.

To support of this first NPP development plan, the Indonesian government has received international cooperation offers, including from Russia, Canada, and several other countries. To prepare for this project, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) will pursue the establishment of a Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organization (NEPIO). Furthermore, this commitment is expected to facilitate clearer licensing and regulatory processes, as well as open investment opportunities and private sector involvement, as the plan is expected to require a budget of approximately USD 188 billion, majority of which will come from foreign investments.

The Philippines

The Philippines is currently moving forward by shaping its future with nuclear energy. This commitment is evidenced by the approval of Senate Bill 2899, also known as the proposed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act on June 9, 2025. This law is crucial for establishing a comprehensive legal framework to ensure the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and to establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM). This step officially makes PhilATOM an independent regulatory body tasked with overseeing nuclear safety, radiation protection, and emergency preparedness. This move also comes amidst the government's efforts to implement its nuclear energy roadmap. In the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) concerning the Long-Term Nuclear Energy Program (NEP), nuclear power generation capacities are targeted to reach at least 1,200 MW by 2032, with an additional 1,200 MW by 2035, and 2,400 MW by 2050, totalling 4,800 MW by 2050.

The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a policy framework that defines the guidelines and procedures for developing nuclear energy, including the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant. According to the “Policy Framework for the Commercial Development of a Nuclear Power Plant in the Philippines,” the project will be limited to SMRs, microreactors, and FNPPs, tailored to address the country’s urgent needs such as electrifying remote areas and supporting non-power nuclear applications. The DOE will oversee the overall implementation, while the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) will ensure grid readiness and sufficient transmission capacity to accommodate a 1,200 MW nuclear power plant by 2032. Additionally, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will be responsible for pricing mechanisms, compliance certification, and coordination with local utilities, ensuring alignment with the national energy development plan.

The strategic steps taken by the Philippines towards its nuclear program show a strong foundation for future implementations. Furthermore, the Philippines has also established international nuclear partnerships with several countries, such as the United States through the 123 Agreement, South Korea through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP), and a strategic collaboration agreement between France through Electricité de France (EDF) and Meralco. These steps also reflect the Philippines' openness to business opportunities in the nuclear sector, particularly in building investor and vendor confidence, as well as attracting other international partnerships.

Vietnam

Vietnam is now also preparing for the development of its nuclear energy resources, which will proceed in line with the guidelines established by the National Assembly in Resolution No. 174/2024/QH15, dated November 30, 2024, and Resolution No. 189/2025/QH15, dated February 19, 2025. These guidelines focus on specific mechanisms and policies to support investment in the construction of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project, as outlined in Directive No. 01/CT-TTg from the Prime Minister, dated January 3, 2025.

Vietnam's nuclear power project development plan is also supported by the amended National Power Development Plan Eight (PDP8) with the goal of operating the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 power plants between 2030–2035, with a total capacity of 4,000–6,400 MW. Subsequently, by 2050, an additional 8,000 MW of nuclear power is anticipated. The PDP8 also mandates that nuclear power projects adhere to stringent standards, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply. To meet these targets, Vietnam requires a total investment of USD 136.3 billion by 2030.

The development of Vietnam's nuclear energy program reflects a strategic and structured step with a strong emphasis on regulation and safety. To support its nuclear program development, Vietnam is also establishing partnerships with other countries. Together with Russia, Vietnam has agreed to promptly negotiate and sign an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of NPPs in Vietnam in compliance with nuclear safety standards. In addition, the Vietnamese government is also engaged in discussions with other partners including Japan, South Korea, France, and the United States.

Nuclear Momentum in Wider ASEAN

Interest in nuclear energy program development is also growing in other ASEAN member states, such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Thailand, with its draft Power Development Plan (PDP) 2024, projects a 600 MW contribution from SMR-based nuclear power (two 300 MW SMRs) as 1% of its total electricity production by 2037, which will be overseen by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as part of its 2050 carbon neutrality target. These efforts are supported by various international collaborations, such as the 123 Agreement with the United States and an MoU signed by EGAT with KHNP of South Korea for technical information exchange and personnel training.

Singapore, in its mission to enhance energy resilience through the Energy Market Authority (EMA), is currently studying SMRs to meet 10% of its electricity needs by 2050. On the other hand, Malaysia, through The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), has also tasked MyPOWER with conducting a pre-feasibility study of nuclear energy as an alternative energy, to be implemented with SMRs to achieve its 2050 Net Zero Emission target.

Conclusion

Nuclear energy holds immense potential to provide a clean, stable, and reliable electricity source for ASEAN member states, enabling them to meet increasing energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have taken concrete steps and shown significant progress in the development of ASEAN's nuclear energy programs. In this regard, the Philippines stands as the most strategic country in nuclear energy program development. Its concrete strategy and regulatory framework have opened opportunities to build a strong nuclear foundation, fostered public engagement, and even enables the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

Overall, the development progress of nuclear energy programs in ASEAN demonstrates not a competition, but a collective effort to build a sustainable nuclear energy future. This initiative opens attractive market opportunities for global technology providers. Therefore, increased regional cooperation in sharing expertise, safety standards, and strengthening supply chains is crucial. ASEAN also needs to strengthen public trust through transparent communication and inclusive education.