Bangkok: Policy makers across Asia are gaining insights into small modular reactors (SMRs) through a new initiative by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aimed at educating governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders about the potential role of this technology in future energy strategies.
According to EMM, the second SMR workshop, termed the SMR School, was hosted by Thailand as nuclear energy’s momentum continues to build in Asia. The region is making significant strides in nuclear energy, with Asia accounting for two-thirds of the world’s reactors under construction, primarily in China. Uzbekistan is also beginning the construction of SMRs.
During the SMR School held in Bangkok from July 21-25, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Singapore, emphasizing the IAEA’s commitment to supporting ASEAN countries considering nuclear options, including SMRs, as part of their clean energy plans.
Rungrueng Kitphati, Acting Secretary General of the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), highlighted the urgent need for climate action, stating that Thailand is actively investigating the potential of SMRs in its energy portfolio. The country is dedicated to establishing a robust legal, regulatory, and human resource framework that aligns with international safety standards.
As part of the global developments in SMRs, these reactors offer smaller sizes, lower initial costs, and increased flexibility compared to traditional nuclear plants, potentially broadening nuclear power accessibility. SMRs are under development in various countries, with operational units in China and the Russian Federation. Interest in SMRs has surged following a consensus on nuclear energy expansion at COP28 in Dubai in 2023.
The SMR School in Thailand provided a platform to assist a diverse range of countries from Central and Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Dohee Hahn, Coordinator of the IAEA SMR Platform, noted that participants included nations just beginning to explore SMRs and those actively preparing for their deployment.
Over the five-day program, attendees delved into the technical, regulatory, economic, and infrastructure facets of SMR development, covering topics like energy system planning, safety and licensing, financing, legal frameworks, waste management, emergency preparedness, and stakeholder engagement. The curriculum was crafted to address both the opportunities and practical challenges of adopting SMRs.
A special session focused on the strategic importance of SMRs in achieving net-zero emissions, featuring officials from OAP and the Thai Ministry of Energy, along with representatives from the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand, PTT Public Limited Company, and Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited. Liu Hua, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, delivered remarks on behalf of Director General Grossi.
Participants like D. Baltabaev from Uzbekistan’s Uzatom Atomic Energy Agency, which is preparing to deploy its first SMRs, found the workshop invaluable. Baltabaev noted that the program provided not only answers but also a comprehensive understanding of engineering and regulatory aspects, reinforcing the view that SMRs are integral to a sustainable and reliable energy future.
Noor Mashruddin from Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the opportunity to learn from other countries’ experiences, share best practices, and receive feedback from IAEA experts.
Thailand, having previously explored nuclear power, is now re-evaluating its stance in light of evolving global and regional dynamics. Siriwat Chedsi from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand remarked that past plans did not advance for various reasons. However, with improved technology and a heightened sense of urgency, nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, is once again seriously considered.
The SMR School is part of IAEA’s broader support strategy, including the SMR Platform and the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI), which assist countries in developing the necessary infrastructure for SMR development, deployment, and oversight. The next SMR School is scheduled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from August 25-29, with more sessions planned for 2026.