The Nuclear Debate in Southeast Asia: Philippines Leads a Cautious Comeback

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Hadisur Rahman, Jadetimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

Why Nuclear Power Is Back on the Table

As Southeast Asia grapples with growing energy demands and climate change, countries like the Philippines are reconsidering nuclear power. Once mothballed and forgotten, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, Southeast Asia's only existing nuclear facility, is being reevaluated under the leadership of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos who originally initiated the project in the 1970s.

The renewed interest in nuclear energy stems from two urgent goals: meeting the region’s rising energy demand and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Philippines' Energy Shift: A Return to Nuclear

In February, Philippine Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized the country’s intent to build "a safe, sustainable, and responsible nuclear energy program" to secure long-term energy needs. The plan includes introducing 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power capacity by 2032 and expanding it to 4,800 MW by 2050.

This shift comes amid the Philippines’ status as Southeast Asia’s most coal-dependent country in 2023, according to the energy think tank Ember. With global momentum pushing for reduced carbon emissions, nuclear power, which produces almost zero direct GHG emissions, is seen as a viable alternative.

Environmental Concerns and Activist Opposition

Despite its low carbon footprint, nuclear energy isn't without controversy. Environmentalists like Derek Cabe of the Nuclear and Coal-Free Bataan Movement argue that the narrative of nuclear being "clean energy" is misleading. Cabe stresses that uranium mining, fuel transportation, and waste management still contribute to environmental degradation and carbon emissions.

She also highlights that the Philippines, rich in solar, wind, and hydro potential, lacks the political will and funding focus to fully harness these safer and more sustainable energy alternatives. "It’s not a technological barrier — it’s a matter of priorities and political choices," she said.

Regional Trends: Southeast Asia’s Nuclear Ambitions

The Philippines isn't alone. Other Southeast Asian nations are also exploring nuclear energy to meet their climate goals:

Indonesia plans to generate 75% of its power from clean sources, including nuclear, by 2040. However, a comprehensive regulatory framework is still under development.
Vietnam aims to build a nuclear plant in Ninh Thuan province by 2030, but experts like Professor Thuy Le of San Jose University doubt the feasibility of such ambitious timelines.
Singapore, due to its limited land, is considering Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a more realistic nuclear option in the future.

The Case for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

SMRs and microreactors are emerging as more practical alternatives to traditional large-scale nuclear plants. They offer multiple advantages:

Smaller size means they can be located in more areas, including coastal and densely populated regions.
Simpler and cheaper to construct and operate.
Potentially safer, though concerns remain regarding waste management and disaster readiness.

Experts believe these reactors could help countries like Vietnam and Singapore integrate nuclear energy without the massive infrastructure and safety burdens of conventional plants.

Public Perception: A Barrier to Nuclear Adoption

While governments are eager, the public remains skeptical. A study by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) revealed low levels of public support for nuclear energy across Southeast Asia. Historical incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, along with the region’s lack of regulatory experience, have only amplified public concerns.

In Bataan, where the dormant plant still stands, locals like Derek Cabe fear the risks, especially since the facility is situated near a volcano. "If something goes wrong, we will bear the consequences first," she warned.

A Future in Flux

The nuclear debate in Southeast Asia is far from settled. While the technology promises a cleaner alternative to coal, it also brings high risks, financial burdens, and public resistance. Countries like the Philippines must balance ambition with caution, transparency, and inclusive policymaking.