KUALA LUMPUR: New technologies in nuclear power, including small modular reactors, are being considered as a potential option to strengthen energy security and support Asean’s shift towards a low-carbon energy future, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic).
The Deputy Prime Minister said Malaysia is examining the role of nuclear power in its long-term energy strategy to ensure energy security, affordability and sustainability.
“We are taking careful and transparent steps to build the institutional, technical, and human resource foundations necessary to make informed decisions on nuclear energy development,” Fadillah said in his keynote address at the Asean-Korea Sustainable Nuclear Energy Cooperation Forum, Bernama reported.
South Korea’s advanced experience in nuclear technology and safety, coupled with Asean’s growing energy demand and complementary sustainability, provide a strong basis for mutual learning, technology sharing and capacity-building, he added.
Meanwhile, when closing the 25th Asean Energy Business Forum, Fadillah said regional initiatives such as the Asean Power Grid (APG) and renewable energy integration are significant as an enabler of shared prosperity in the region.
He said the new enhanced APG memorandum of understanding reflected Malaysia’s renewed commitment to realise the dream of a more interconnected Asean.
“We believe that these regional projects are not just technical projects but also symbols of our shared vision.
“Closer regional cooperation, financing, innovation and partnership with our closest partners will be key to unlocking our full potential,” said Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister.
He said Asean is committed to developing its regional cooperation in ensuring energy security and accelerating decarbonisation for a just and inclusive energy transition.
“We believe that by working together, we can drive meaningful progress and ensure no member state is left behind,” Fadillah added.
