PETALING JAYA, Aug 19 — The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) is conducting a feasibility study on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs) to assess their potential as a stable base-load power source, said its Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said the study will focus on regions where renewable energy deployment faces unique challenges, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
“This study will carefully evaluate waste management strategies to ensure that nuclear energy is integrated responsibly into Malaysia’s sustainable energy ecosystem,” he said in his keynote address at the 5th International Green Build Conference (IGBC 2025) today.
According to Fadillah, the feasibility study will also focus on regulatory requirements, including the needs to amend existing laws and related regulations, as well as on human capital development.
Additionally, he said the ministry will examine nuclear safety, safeguards and security, alongside efforts to engage with the public to ensure wider acceptance before any further action is taken.
“We are also working together to ensure that human capital development will be one of the area that we focus on, not only in terms of technology but also from the enforcement perspective,” he added.
Commenting further, Fadillah noted that the ministry has received positive feedback and encouragement from the public and industry players on the potential of nuclear energy as part of the renewable energy sources.
“But the process, as you know, requires us to ratify 18 international treaties and agreements, one of which is the 123 Agreement with United States. Only then can we firm up the final decision on whether nuclear will be part of our future energy mix,” he noted.
In the meantime, Fadillah also highlighted that PETRA will launch the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2026–2035 (NEEAP 2.0) by the end of this year.
He added that the comprehensive strategy will chart initiatives across all sectors to drive energy savings, encompassing both electrical and thermal energy measures. — Bernama
