Southeast Asia’s Nuclear Power Revival Fueled by AI Data Center Boom
BANGKOK, Thailand — Several Southeast Asian nations are revisiting nuclear power as they prepare to meet surging energy demands driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Nearly half of the region could have nuclear energy by the 2030s, with others signaling interest in exploring atomic energy options.
Southeast Asia Revisits Nuclear Power
Five of the 11 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines — are actively pursuing nuclear energy development. This marks a significant shift for a region that has historically not produced any nuclear power despite long-held ambitions.
Vietnam Advances Nuclear Plans
Vietnam is building two nuclear plants, backed by the Russian state corporation Rosatom, which are considered “nationally significant, strategic projects.” Vietnam and Russia advanced a nuclear power deal in March 2024, as regional energy security concerns worsened. Vietnam’s revised atomic energy law took effect in January.
Indonesia Eyes Small Modular Reactors
Indonesia added nuclear to its fresh energy plan in 2023, aiming to build two small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2034. Canada and Russia have issued formal cooperation proposals, with other nations expected to follow.
Thailand Targets Nuclear Capacity
Thailand set a target in 2023 to add 600 megawatts of nuclear generating capacity by 2037. Officials with Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority have stated that nuclear power is a “promising solution” to supplying affordable, clean electricity to meet rising demand. Bangkok Post reported on this target in February 2024.
Philippines Re-evaluates Nuclear Energy
The Philippines, which built a nuclear power plant in the 1970s that was never operationalized, launched a new atomic energy regulatory authority in 2023. The country set a 2032 target and approved a roadmap for potential investors in February. Reuters reported on the Philippines’ renewed nuclear ambitions in February 2024.
Data Centers Drive Demand
Southeast Asia will account for a quarter of global energy demand growth by 2035, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This growth is partly fueled by the more than 2,000 data centers currently operating in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, according to the think tank Ember.
Malaysia’s AI Hub Ambitions
Malaysia, aspiring to become Southeast Asia’s AI computing hub, has attracted investments from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia. The country revived its nuclear program in 2023 and set a 2031 target for bringing atomic energy online.
A standard AI data center can consume as much electricity as 100,000 households, according to the IEA. Malaysia currently has over 500 operational data centers, with another 300 under construction and around 1,140 planned.
Risks and Considerations
While the global push for nuclear energy is gaining momentum, concerns over safety, waste disposal, and supply chain security remain. The cataclysmic events at Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 led to public resistance, but even Japan is restarting its nuclear plants.
Experts caution that Southeast Asian nations “considering starting a nuclear industry from scratch” must carefully consider the potential for accidents and prioritize safety measures.
Key Takeaways
- Southeast Asia is experiencing a renewed interest in nuclear power due to rising energy demands and the growth of AI data centers.
- Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines are actively pursuing nuclear energy development.
- The surge in data centers is a major driver of energy demand in the region.
- Concerns over nuclear safety and waste management remain key considerations.