Latest news with #NationalEnergyTransitionRoadmap
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 But major hurdles remain, including outdated laws, limited expertise and public distrust, said UKM renewable energy expert Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri.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 'The country's main nuclear law, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, is outdated.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 Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to consider adopting nuclear energy to accelerate net-zero target 2050
Deputy Minister of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has to relook the whole energy triangle, including the possibility of adopting nuclear energy, in order to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050, said Deputy Minister of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. "We need to maintain the affordability, the sustainability as well as the security of the supply. Where are we going to replace our base load? ".… so even nuclear is not considered as renewable energy, but it is considered as one of the clean sources of producing energy. So if you ask me, from my point of view, I think without nuclear, we may not achieve net zero (target) by 2050," he said. Akmal Nasrullah was a panelist in a dialogue session entitled 'Delivering Malaysia's Energy Transition' at the Energy Asia 2025 conference here today. He stressed that when the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) was launched in 2023, the interest was not only on the production or energy transition but the dynamics in terms of consumption have also changed. To recap, NETR aims to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy in the energy mix by 2050, where solar and hydro energies play the main role, while natural gases serve as the transition fuels. He said the government and public should embrace reality to adopt nuclear energy to help the country achieve its net zero mission. "So bear in mind, this (adopting nuclear energy) is something we have to really consider. "We do (have) our own planning, but hopefully when the government decides to go full-fledged for nuclear, not just the government, (but) the public will also be ready to face the reality that for us to achieve the net zero target by 2050, nuclear (energy) is the way to go," he said. - Bernama
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Consider nuclear energy to meet 2050 net zero target, says deputy minister
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Deputy energy transition and water transformation minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir said although nuclear energy was not renewable, it was a clean source of energy. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must take another look at the possibility of adopting nuclear energy to achieve its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050, says deputy energy transition and water transformation minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir. 'We need to maintain the affordability, sustainability and security of our energy supply. How are we going to replace our base load? Advertisement 'Nuclear energy is not considered to be renewable, but it is a clean source of energy. If you ask me, I think we may not achieve net zero by 2050 without nuclear energy,' Bernama reported him as saying". Akmal was speaking as a panellist at a dialogue session entitled 'Delivering Malaysia's Energy Transition' at the Energy Asia 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur today. Launched in 2023, the National Energy Transition Roadmap aims to achieve 70% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2050, with solar and hydro energy at the forefront and natural gases serving as transition fuels. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia to consider adopting nuclear energy to accelerate net zero target 2050
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has to relook the whole energy triangle, including the possibility of adopting nuclear energy, in order to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050, said Deputy Minister of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. 'We need to maintain the affordability, the sustainability as well as the security of the supply. Where are we going to replace our base load? '.... so even nuclear is not considered as renewable energy, but it is considered as one of the clean sources of producing energy. So if you ask me, from my point of view, I think without nuclear, we may not achieve net zero (target) by 2050,' he said. Akmal Nasrullah was a panelist in a dialogue session entitled 'Delivering Malaysia's Energy Transition' at the Energy Asia 2025 conference here today. He stressed that when the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) was launched in 2023, the interest was not only on the production or energy transition but the dynamics in terms of consumption have also changed. To recap, NETR aims to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy in the energy mix by 2050, where solar and hydro energies play the main role, while natural gases serve as the transition fuels. He said the government and public should embrace reality to adopt nuclear energy to help the country achieve its net zero mission. 'So bear in mind, this (adopting nuclear energy) is something we have to really consider. 'We do (have) our own planning, but hopefully when the government decides to go full-fledged for nuclear, not just the government, (but) the public will also be ready to face the reality that for us to achieve the net zero target by 2050, nuclear (energy) is the way to go,' he said.
