Southeast Asian countries are advancing nuclear energy plans to meet growing electricity demand, but turning their ambitions into operating power plants will require substantial investment, reliable supply chains, skilled workers and stable regulatory frameworks.
These challenges featured prominently on October 20 at the World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference in Manila, where government officials and industry representatives discussed opportunities for nuclear development and the role of local companies in supporting new projects.
The Philippines aims to develop 4,800 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, while Indonesia has announced plans for 200 megawatts. Vietnam is also advancing its nuclear programme, including the Ninh Thuan 1 project in cooperation with Russia.
Vietnam signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia in March 2026. Its state power utility, EVN, and Russia’s Rosatom have held more than 30 contract-related meetings, with the Russian VVER-1200 reactor selected as the project’s reference technology. Vietnam aims to localize up to 30% of investment in construction and installation work.
The developments reflect broader regional interest in nuclear energy as governments seek to diversify their energy sources and strengthen electricity security. The conference cited an ASEAN scenario requiring 32.7 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2060.
However, industry representatives stressed that nuclear projects require more than government commitments. Investors need credible regulatory systems, consistent policies and predictable arrangements for selling electricity to justify the substantial capital required for nuclear power plants.
The Philippines, for example, is working to establish its regulatory framework and assess potential sites for nuclear facilities. Its plans also include exploring the possible revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which was completed in the 1980s but never entered commercial operation. Any decision to use the facility would require further safety and economic assessments.
Beyond electricity generation, nuclear development could create opportunities for domestic companies in construction, engineering, manufacturing and maintenance. Countries will need to invest in workforce training and technical capabilities if they want local businesses to participate meaningfully in nuclear supply chains.
The conference also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in developing these capabilities, as countries entering the nuclear industry often rely on foreign technology providers and experienced contractors.
For Southeast Asia, the challenge is to translate long-term nuclear targets into commercially viable projects while building the institutions, expertise and industrial capacity needed to sustain them. The pace of development will depend on whether governments and investors can address these requirements and establish supply chains capable of supporting the region’s growing energy needs.
