Kuala lumpur: Nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a necessary and practical complement to renewable energy (RE) to ensure a stable baseload for the electricity grid, particularly to support exponential demand from high-tech industries and data centres.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MyPOWER Corporation chief executive officer Asdirhyme Abd Rasib emphasized that introducing nuclear power would be an ideal replacement for coal-fired power plants in providing a stable energy supply. This shift aligns with the nation's commitment towards achieving net-zero emissions targets.
Asdirhyme pointed out that the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) aims for 70 per cent of the future energy mix to come from RE by 2050. However, relying entirely on renewables poses geographical challenges for Malaysia. "You can go for 100 per cent RE, but considering Malaysia's location, it is very difficult for us particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, where we have limited sources of RE," he said during a dialogue at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26).
The dialogue, entitled 'ASEAN's Net Zero Pathway: Can ASEAN Decarbonise without Nuclear Power?' was moderated by Principal Advisor of The eCEOs (M) Sdn Bhd Raja Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan. Asdirhyme stated that it is unrealistic to cover the entire peninsula with solar panels from the northern border to Johor, which is why nuclear energy remains a highly viable option to support the electricity system.
He noted that electricity demand has increased significantly over the last two years, making a firm power option essential. Malaysia is currently at phase one, studying the policies, legal and regulatory frameworks, and human capital development needed over the next 10 to 15 years to prepare for this.
Huw Williams, from the Nuclear Investment and Financial Stakeholder Relations at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the United Kingdom, agreed, stating that nuclear energy remains a vital net-zero baseload for the British economy. He mentioned that despite a significant rollout of offshore wind farms, nuclear power still provides between 15 and 18 per cent of the UK's daily power, ensuring supply security when the wind is not blowing, while also meeting the high energy demands of a growing number of data centres.
PT Xpert Synergy Solution chief executive officer Bob Soelaiman Effendi echoed the necessity of a reliable energy mix, stating that nuclear power is a practical solution for any developing nation aiming for rapid economic growth. He added that simulations in Indonesia demonstrated that maximizing renewables alone would result in a massive power deficit if the country aims to reach higher levels of economic prosperity, making nuclear energy indispensable for achieving net-zero emissions.