AFTER the unprecedented oil price hike to nearly US$145 per barrel in July 2008, many countries, including France and South Korea, decided to reduce their high reliance on oil and invest in alternative sources of energy such as nuclear power. The high price of oil also prompted Malaysia to explore nuclear power as a long-term energy source for the nation. This was incorporated in Budget 2009 as part of the government’s strategy to diversify the nation’s sources of energy and enhance its energy security.
Plans to build two 1,000 megawatt-electric (MWe) nuclear power reactors, with the first unit being operational by 2021, were released in 2010. However, four conditions had to be met before building of the reactors could start: there must be public acceptance of the project; Malaysia must ratify the relevant international treaties; government must ensure that the correct regulatory framework is put in place; and approvals for the sites, including from the local population, must be obtained.
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