Jakarta: The ASEAN region is gearing up to develop large-scale nuclear and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plants, with a combined capacity of nearly 1.8 megawatts, as part of an initiative to secure sustainable and clean energy solutions for the future. This strategic move is designed to meet energy security demands while also addressing environmental concerns.
According to Thai News Agency, Thailand has set an ambitious target to generate 600 megawatts of power from SMR technology, aligning with its Net Zero goal and enhancing its competitive edge on the global platform. Mr. Siriwat Jedsri, Deputy Governor for Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), recently participated in the 10th Asia Nuclear Business Platform (ANBP) International Conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia. During the event, which ran from December 9-11, 2025, he presented insights on "Thailand's Preparations for Nuclear Power."
The conference served as a platform for ASEAN energy companies to discuss nuclear energy's potential in facilitating the transition to clean energy. Nuclear power is seen as a vital component due to its ability to produce stable, reliable, and continuous electricity without carbon emissions. By 2050, ASEAN countries have outlined ambitious targets: Thailand aims for 600 megawatts from SMR plants, Indonesia plans for 500 megawatts, Vietnam targets up to 12,000 megawatts from both large-scale and SMR plants, and the Philippines seeks to achieve 4,800 megawatts.
Mr. Siriwat emphasized Thailand's commitment to advancing SMR technology, which will be reflected in the draft Power Development Plan of Thailand (PDP 2024) with a total capacity of 600 megawatts. This initiative supports the country's Net Zero objectives by 2050 and boosts its global competitiveness. EGAT, as the primary agency responsible for Thailand's electricity system, is meticulously preparing for SMR power plants following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. These standards encompass 19 key infrastructure development aspects, including project leadership, collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders, societal engagement, feasibility studies, human resource development, and international cooperation. Adhering to the IAEA's "3S" principles-Safety, Security, and Safeguards-Thailand demonstrates its readiness to implement SMR projects transparently and safely throughout all stages of nuclear energy development.