Media

Key Takeaways

• Southeast Asia’s accelerating energy demand from data centers and electrification amid broad economic growth is creating structural pressure on power supply portfolios. Governments’ increasing focus on securing low-carbon, baseload power sources are creating new opportunities for civil nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs).
• SMR adoption in Asia will be a long-term play. Experienced domestic suppliers and government preference for indigenous technologies and builders create a complex environment for foreign companies in Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian markets offer long-term potential for commercial deployment that is expected to surpass currently low regulatory and technical readiness, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Navigating political dynamics as well as regulatory environments will be key to business success. Across most markets in Southeast Asia, deployment will hinge on strengthening regulatory frameworks, overcoming public concerns, building local capacity and workforce, and addressing financing gaps. Companies that position themselves now as trusted technical and policy partners with key stakeholders will be best placed when market conditions align.