Jakarta, INTI - Nuclear energy is gaining renewed attention in Southeast Asia as countries in the region prepare to meet surging electricity demand, particularly driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data centers.

Several nations are reviving previously delayed nuclear plans and setting ambitious targets. If realized, nearly half of the countries in the region could operate nuclear power plants by the 2030s. Even those without concrete plans are beginning to show growing interest.

So far, Southeast Asia has never generated electricity from nuclear power, despite longstanding ambitions. However, this could soon change as pressure intensifies to reduce climate-related emissions while meeting steadily increasing energy demands.

Analysts note that geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in Iran, have highlighted Asia’s vulnerability in energy supply, reinforcing the urgency to diversify beyond oil and gas. The resulting spike in crude oil prices has further accelerated nuclear development efforts.

“Rising conflicts have motivated countries to accelerate their nuclear programs,” said Alvie Asuncion-Astronomo from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

This week, Vietnam and Russia signed an agreement to build nuclear power plants amid growing concerns over regional energy security. In South Asia, Bangladesh is also accelerating the launch of its new nuclear plant, supported by Russia, to address energy shortages.

AI and Data Centers Drive Energy Surge 

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Southeast Asia is expected to account for around a quarter of global energy demand growth by 2035. One of the main drivers is the rapid expansion of data centers, with more than 2,000 facilities spread across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines, according to research group Ember.

This number is expected to continue growing. The trend is particularly evident in Malaysia, which aims to position itself as Southeast Asia’s AI computing hub and has attracted major investments from companies such as Microsoft, Google, and NVIDIA.

The resurgence of interest in nuclear energy in Southeast Asia also reflects a broader global trend. Nearly 40 countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China, have joined a global initiative to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050.

According to the World Nuclear Association, Southeast Asia is projected to contribute nearly a quarter of the total 157 gigawatts expected from new nuclear entrants by mid-century.

“There is a more serious and growing momentum for nuclear energy development in Southeast Asia,” said King Lee.

Five out of eleven ASEAN member states, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are actively pursuing nuclear energy development.

Vietnam is currently building two nuclear power plants with support from Russia’s state-owned company Rosatom. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has described the project as a national strategic priority, supported by recent revisions to the country’s atomic energy law.

Indonesia has included nuclear energy in its latest national energy plan, targeting the construction of two small modular reactors by 2034, with formal cooperation proposals submitted by Canada and Russia.

Thailand aims to add 600 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2037, viewing nuclear energy as a promising solution to provide sufficient, affordable, and clean electricity.

The Philippines, which has had the longest involvement with nuclear energy in the region, built a nuclear plant in the 1970s that was never operational. Last year, the country established a new nuclear regulatory authority and is targeting nuclear energy use by 2032.

“We do not expect nuclear power to be cheap in the early stages,” said Asuncion-Astronomo. However, in the long term, nuclear energy is seen as a way to enhance reliability, security, and energy independence.

Other countries such as Cambodia, Singapore, and Brunei are also beginning to explore nuclear options. Singapore is currently assessing its potential, while Brunei is cautiously studying possibilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The rapid growth of data centers is a major factor behind rising energy demand. These facilities, large, windowless buildings filled with high-capacity computing systems, consume enormous amounts of electricity. The IEA estimates that a single AI data center can use as much power as 100,000 households.

Malaysia stands out as a leading example, with more than 500 operational data centers, around 300 under construction, and over 1,000 more planned. The country revived its nuclear program last year, targeting its first nuclear plant to be operational by 2031.

“Many industries are growing in Malaysia, from data centers and semiconductors to mining. All of them require energy,” said Zayana Zaikariah from the Institute of Strategic & International Studies in Kuala Lumpur.

The United States has also supported these efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Malaysia last year, while President Donald Trump has pushed for expanded nuclear capacity to meet data center demand, targeting a fourfold increase over the next 25 years.

Balancing Opportunities and Risks 

However, nuclear energy risks remain a concern. Issues related to safety, waste management, and supply continue to raise questions, especially following major disasters such as the Chernobyl disaster and the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Despite this, Japan, which shut down all reactors after Fukushima, has begun restarting its nuclear facilities.

Bridget Woodman from Zero Carbon Analytics noted that as the world drifts further from its climate targets, nuclear energy may appear more attractive compared to lower-risk alternatives such as renewables.

She added that countries in Southeast Asia considering nuclear development from scratch must carefully assess the risks of potential accidents.

Amid rising energy demand and mounting pressure to cut emissions, Southeast Asia’s nuclear ambitions now stand at a critical crossroads between opportunity and risk.

Conclusion 

The renewed interest in nuclear energy across Southeast Asia reflects a growing urgency to secure reliable and sustainable energy sources in the face of rising demand and climate pressures. While nuclear power offers significant potential to support long-term energy needs and AI-driven growth, governments must carefully balance its benefits with safety, environmental, and regulatory considerations to ensure responsible and sustainable implementation.

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