Latest news with #MuhammadAmmirrul
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
‘Much needs to be done to adopt nuclear energy'
PETALING JAYA: Nuclear energy is back on the table as Malaysia eyes the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. First explored in the 1980s, nuclear power gained traction under ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak but was shelved during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's second term over safety and cost concerns. The idea resurfaced in 2023 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as a post-2050 option, pending regulatory, safety and public trust improvements. But major hurdles remain, including outdated laws, limited expertise and public distrust, said UKM renewable energy expert Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri. He said while nuclear power could play a critical role in the NETR, Malaysia must first lay solid groundwork to proceed safely. 'The adoption of nuclear energy could help Malaysia achieve a sustainable and inclusive energy system. But serious challenges must be addressed, from obsolete laws and weak regulatory structures to deep-rooted public unease.' Unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind, nuclear provides consistent power with zero operational emissions, making it a strong complement to the future energy mix of the country. However, safety concerns and radioactive waste continue to shape public perception. 'Incidents such as Fukushima and Chernobyl have left deep scars. Even at home, backlash over the Lynas plant in Kuantan reflects widespread discomfort over anything involving radioactive material,' said Muhammad Ammirrul. He said public trust, built through education, transparency and genuine engagement, would be essential if the government proceeds with nuclear energy. Beyond public acceptance, the legal framework is also in need of urgent reform. 'The country's main nuclear law, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, is outdated. It predates modern safety standards and best practices. Malaysia needs a dedicated nuclear energy law that clearly defines institutional roles, regulatory protocols and liability mechanisms.' He called for the creation of an independent nuclear regulatory authority, separate from ministerial oversight, to enhance safety and governance. Muhammad Ammirrul urged Malaysia to adopt a nuclear liability and insurance framework, potentially through accession to the Vienna Convention, a global treaty that enables cross-border compensation for victims of nuclear accidents. He said radioactive waste remains one of the toughest challenges. 'We still have no long-term disposal infrastructure. Spent nuclear fuel remains hazardous for thousands of years, and managing that sustainably is a major hurdle.' He said while renewables such as solar and wind are not without environmental impacts, they generate far less dangerous waste. He added that small modular reactors could offer a safer and more adaptable nuclear option for Malaysia as these compact systems are well-suited to smaller grids and could help stabilise renewable output. He said at present, Malaysia lacks the full technical capability to build or operate a nuclear plant independently. 'Agencies such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy have expertise in research and radiation safety, but not in nuclear power generation. 'That said, local universities are now offering nuclear-related programmes, and overseas training is helping to develop human capital.' As for who might lead a national nuclear rollout, he said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is the most likely candidate. 'TNB has the infrastructure, technical expertise and government backing. It's already leading in renewables, so it makes sense for it to spearhead this as well.' On Tuesday, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said Malaysia may miss its 2050 net-zero emissions target without nuclear energy in the mix. He called nuclear energy the 'elephant in the room', saying it is vital for delivering reliable power as fossil fuels are phased out.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia reconsiders nuclear energy for net-zero by 2050
PETALING JAYA: Nuclear energy is back on the table as Malaysia eyes the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. First explored in the 1980s, nuclear power gained traction under ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak but was shelved during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's second term over safety and cost concerns. The idea resurfaced in 2023 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as a post-2050 option, pending regulatory, safety and public trust improvements. But major hurdles remain, including outdated laws, limited expertise and public distrust, said UKM renewable energy expert Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri. He said while nuclear power could play a critical role in the NETR, Malaysia must first lay solid groundwork to proceed safely. 'The adoption of nuclear energy could help Malaysia achieve a sustainable and inclusive energy system. But serious challenges must be addressed, from obsolete laws and weak regulatory structures to deep-rooted public unease.' Unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind, nuclear provides consistent power with zero operational emissions, making it a strong complement to the future energy mix of the country. However, safety concerns and radioactive waste continue to shape public perception. 'Incidents such as Fukushima and Chernobyl have left deep scars. Even at home, backlash over the Lynas plant in Kuantan reflects widespread discomfort over anything involving radioactive material,' said Muhammad Ammirrul. He said public trust, built through education, transparency and genuine engagement, would be essential if the government proceeds with nuclear energy. Beyond public acceptance, the legal framework is also in need of urgent reform. 'The country's main nuclear law, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, is outdated. It predates modern safety standards and best practices. Malaysia needs a dedicated nuclear energy law that clearly defines institutional roles, regulatory protocols and liability mechanisms.' He called for the creation of an independent nuclear regulatory authority, separate from ministerial oversight, to enhance safety and governance. Muhammad Ammirrul urged Malaysia to adopt a nuclear liability and insurance framework, potentially through accession to the Vienna Convention, a global treaty that enables cross-border compensation for victims of nuclear accidents. He said radioactive waste remains one of the toughest challenges. 'We still have no long-term disposal infrastructure. Spent nuclear fuel remains hazardous for thousands of years, and managing that sustainably is a major hurdle.' He said while renewables such as solar and wind are not without environmental impacts, they generate far less dangerous waste. He added that small modular reactors could offer a safer and more adaptable nuclear option for Malaysia as these compact systems are well-suited to smaller grids and could help stabilise renewable output. He said at present, Malaysia lacks the full technical capability to build or operate a nuclear plant independently. 'Agencies such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy have expertise in research and radiation safety, but not in nuclear power generation. 'That said, local universities are now offering nuclear-related programmes, and overseas training is helping to develop human capital.' As for who might lead a national nuclear rollout, he said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is the most likely candidate. 'TNB has the infrastructure, technical expertise and government backing. It's already leading in renewables, so it makes sense for it to spearhead this as well.' On Tuesday, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said Malaysia may miss its 2050 net-zero emissions target without nuclear energy in the mix. He called nuclear energy the 'elephant in the room', saying it is vital for delivering reliable power as fossil fuels are phased out.
The Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Powering Asean's future
PETALING JAYA: As the Asean Power Grid (APG) gains traction, Malaysia finds itself at a pivotal moment – poised to become a key player in Southeast Asia's energy future. Thanks to its strategic geography and expanding renewable energy sector, Malaysia is well-positioned to facilitate the flow of clean electricity across borders. However, experts warn that without swift reforms in infrastructure, regulations and policy alignment, the country risks falling behind in this ambitious project. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri said the APG is designed to connect the power systems of Asean nations and bolster energy security, sustainability and spur economic growth. 'APG enables cross-border electricity trade, allowing countries to tap into regional resources like hydropower and solar, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.' He said Malaysia could benefit by importing surplus renewable energy from neighbours such as Laos and Vietnam, potentially lowering generation costs, improving grid flexibility and attracting investments – all in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap. 'Hydropower from Laos or solar from Vietnam could help Malaysia decarbonise its power sector more quickly and affordably. 'Access to cheaper, clean electricity could also reduce our dependence on coal and gas while encouraging private-sector participation.' However, realising this potential won't be easy. Technical, regulatory and political challenges loom, said Muhammad Ammirrul. 'Asean countries operate on different voltage levels, frequencies and grid codes. They must be harmonised to enable efficient electricity flow.' He added that Malaysia's existing transmission infrastructure needs major upgrades to accommodate increased imports and the intermittent nature of renewable sources. Another concern is over-reliance on imported electricity. 'A disruption in one country could trigger regional instability. Harmonising tariffs, regulations and standards will also be a complex, time-consuming process,' he cautioned. Beyond technical issues, the more significant hurdle may lie in political will. At last month's 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim backed efforts to fast-track Phase Two of the APG, which aims to link Laos, Cambodia and Thailand with Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. However, Universiti Tenaga Nasional Institute of Energy Policy and Research director Dr Nora Yusma Mohamed Yusoff warned that fragmented regulations and outdated tariff structures are major obstacles. 'Malaysia's electricity system, which is partly regulated and subsidised, presents a challenge. Aligning our pricing mechanisms with regional markets requires reforms that are not only technically sound but politically viable. 'Without fair, cost-reflective pricing, Malaysia could risk harming both its domestic energy market and regional competitiveness. 'Different grid codes, licensing procedures and power purchase agreements across Asean make market entry difficult and create legal uncertainty.' To take on a central role in the APG, Nora said Malaysia must collaborate closely with its Asean neighbours to develop common rules and enforcement mechanisms. She said significant investment will also be required in grid infrastructure, including high-voltage direct current interconnectors, smart grid technologies and better grid management systems. These should be rolled out in phases, guided by clear cost-benefit analyses to avoid stranded assets. Nora said Malaysia's future in the APG is not limited to electricity trade. She noted that with growing solar capacity, battery storage and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, Malaysia could also become a key exporter of clean molecules such as hydrogen and LNG. Still, she urged caution against focusing too heavily on exports without first securing domestic energy needs. Both experts agree that Malaysia has a key role in Asean's energy future, but only if it builds a solid foundation at home. 'The APG is more than an infrastructure project – it's a political and economic initiative that will shape national policies, regional cooperation and long-term energy security,' said Muhammad Ammirrul. 'For Malaysia, this is a turning point. With the right reforms and partnerships, we can help lead Asean into a cleaner, more resilient energy era.' On Dec 13 last year, Malaysia exported 50 megawatts of renewable electricity to Singapore via the Energy Exchange Malaysia (Enegem). The green energy, supplied by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, was sold to Sembcorp Power through a competitive auction under the Cross-Border Electricity Sales for Renewable Energy (CBES RE) scheme. ENEGEM was launched last April and represents a milestone in Malaysia's regional grid integration and energy transition.
