KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been exploring the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology since last year, a leading ministry has revealed.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang told parliament on Wednesday (March 5) that the ministry will be visiting Russia soon to conduct a benchmarking visit to study floating power unit SMRs and nuclear energy cycles alongside enforcement and safety guidelines.
He added that the US has been supporting countries exploring SMR’s potential and highly-advanced nuclear technology through the Foundation Infrastructure of SMR programme.
The programme ensures the use of nuclear technology meets the highest safety standards with the support of the IAEA, Chang added.
“To date, there have been 38 countries that have participated and benefited from the programme, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand,” he said to a supplementary question by P. Prabakaran (PH-Batu) on whether Malaysia would consider adopting SMR technology, as demonstrated by China's pioneering thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR) project.
Chang also said that the use of thorium for nuclear reactors is still at a very early stage, even in China.
“In China, the TMSR is the fourth generation and is still in development. It is estimated that the country will fully operate the reactor in 2029,” he said.
SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300MW(e) per unit, about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.
Floating power unit SMRs refer to small units installed on a floating platform, allowing for use in remote coastal areas or offshore locations to generate electricity suitable for smaller grids or locations with limited land availability and using surrounding waters as coolant.
Earlier, Chang said Malaysia is in the process of selecting partners to enhance its understanding of nuclear energy as a sustainable energy source.
Chang also confirmed Malaysia has ongoing partnerships with countries advanced in nuclear technology like Japan and France as the country had formed multilateral cooperation in nuclear science and technology beginning in 1969.
This includes participation in the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (Inpro) under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"Through our participation in the IAEA and Inpro, Malaysia has gained significantly in nuclear technology, particularly in developing human capital for nuclear science and technology, including energy consumption," Chang said during the question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 5).
He highlighted the collaboration between the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) since 2012, aimed at enhancing human capital capabilities in nuclear technology.
"The partnership between Nuklear Malaysia and JAEA focuses on three key areas: reactor engineering, nuclear and radiology emergency preparedness, and environmental radioactivity monitoring.
“This collaboration facilitates the transfer of knowledge from our Japanese counterparts, helping to develop expertise in these fields."
Chang also mentioned that Malaysia has conducted benchmarking visits to several countries, including China, Russia, and France, to further its nuclear knowledge.
