.jpg){kind=spacer}
Nuclear ambitions rise in ASEAN amid energy security goals. (Photo: Wiki Commons）
As demand for low-carbon electricity continues to surge, ASEAN countries are advancing nuclear-related legislation. The Philippines has recently released a draft framework for commercial nuclear power development, including preliminary provisions for pricing and grid dispatch.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is drafting laws to permit the use of radioactive materials like uranium for power generation and has also begun identifying potential small modular reactor (SMR) technology suppliers.
Philippines moves to legalize first commercial nuclear plant
According to its nuclear power roadmap, the Philippine government aims to commission its first commercial nuclear power plant by 2032. The newly released draft outlines three potential deployment types: small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs).
Under the plan, the Department of Energy (DOE) will serve as the main regulatory body for nuclear facilities. It will also evaluate project financing options and work with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to ensure adequate infrastructure and energy demand. Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will develop pricing mechanisms, assess operation and maintenance costs, and ensure compliance and safety standards.
The Philippines intends to designate its first plant as a baseload generator, contributing 1,200 MW to the national grid. Capacity is expected to expand to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. At present, the country’s energy mix is dominated by coal (63%), followed by renewables (22%) and natural gas (14%).
The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the Philippines, which has been idle since 1986, is now set to be revived under the President Marcos Jr. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Indonesia drafts uranium law to support nuclear power
Indonesia remains in the legislative stage of nuclear development as well. Deputy Minister of Energy Yuliot Tanjung recently revealed that the government is drafting regulations to permit the use of radioactive materials such as uranium for electricity generation once purified and processed.
According to the national electricity supply plan (RUPTL), Indonesia, currently operating only three research reactors, plans to add 500 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030, including one reactor each in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Melawi in West Kalimantan, which holds over 24,000 tons of uranium reserves, has been identified as a potential site.
To support the country’s energy policy, Pertamina’s subsidiary for new and renewable energy (NRE) has formed a task force to explore participation in future projects, either as an independent power producer or through partnerships.
The Indonesian government has not yet decided which firms will participate in its first commercial nuclear initiative, but has narrowed the list of suppliers to China and Russia. It has chosen SMR technology as the preferred path forward, thereby excluding countries like Canada and South Korea that specialize in large-scale nuclear plants.
Source: Phil Star, Manila Times, Jakarta Globe, Nikkei Asia, China Global South
.jpg)
