Asia renews push for nuclear power amid energy crisis

Asia is significantly increasing its reliance on nuclear energy, driven by volatile global energy prices and a strong push for decarbonization. Countries across the continent are either expanding existing nuclear programs or planning to build their first power plants, signaling a major shift in energy strategy.

China, India, and Japan are leading this charge by reinforcing their nuclear capabilities. China, in particular, has an ambitious plan with 120 reactors operational, under construction, or approved, aiming for energy security and technological self-sufficiency. Beijing has approved 49 reactors since 2022 and is developing advanced designs like the Hualong One and the small modular reactor Linglong One, alongside the world's first fourth-generation reactor, the HTR-PM.

Japan, which experienced a near-complete shutdown of its nuclear sector after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster, is now cautiously reactivating reactors. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, the world's largest, resumed electricity supply in April. Tokyo plans to restart between 2 and 5 reactors by 2040 and 11 to 14 by 2050, anticipating increased future electricity demand.

Meanwhile, Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the Philippines are looking to enter the nuclear power arena within the next decade. This renewed interest comes as the continent grapples with energy import dependency, particularly from the Persian Gulf, which has been affected by geopolitical tensions. While Taiwan is phasing out nuclear power by May 2025, it is now considering reactivating two of its older plants due to rising electricity demand.