Nuclear: Reviving the Nation’s Nuclear Energy Programme

by Ir. Alex Looi Tink Huey and Ir. Kwok Yew Hoe

The Malaysian Nuclear Agency has been operating a 1MW research reactor for over 40 years. The Triga Puspati Reactor, also known as RTP, is the first and only nuclear research reactor in the country which began operations in 1982 and reached its first criticality on 28 June 1982 [13]. RTP is a pool type reactor, where the reactor core sits at the bottom of a 7m high aluminium tank, surrounded by a biological shield made of high-density concrete. The reactor uses solid fuel elements in which the zirconium-hydride moderator is homogeneously combined with enriched uranium with 1MW thermal power. Demineralised water acts as both coolant and neutron moderator, while graphite acts as a reflector. The research reactor has been used for radioisotope production for medical and industrial applications. In the past, Malaysia had a robust nuclear programme and had plans to establish two operational nuclear power plants by 2021. However, these plans took an unexpected turn and were postponed indefinitely.

Today, the pressing need to decarbonise and diversify energy sources has led the Ministry of Energy Transition & Water Transformation (PETRA) to study the suitability of small modular reactors (SMR). This includes considerations from the aspects of policies, technology, safety, cost, public apprehensions and the impact of nuclear use on the environment [14]. Nuclear power can help Malaysia meets its clean energy goals and transition away from fossil fuels. As a zero-emission energy source, adding nuclear to the energy mix would align the government’s aim of reducing carbon emissions. While renewable sources such as solar and wind energy are preferable, nuclear can provide a robust and reliable baseload power to complement variable renewables (VRE). Commissioning and building a nuclear power plant can take up to 20 years and this is without considering the large upfront capital cost and technical complexity associated with traditional nuclear plants. A simpler, smaller and more versatile version of traditional nuclear plants can categorically address these issues and accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy in the country. In ASEAN, while nuclear power does not have a large presence, the region’s developing economies are increasingly becoming interested in the possibilities of nuclear power generation.

New SMR designs offer enhanced safety and lower costs. SMRs are smaller, factory-built reactors which utilise passive safety features and modular construction [15]. This allows them to be more affordable to build offsite, shipped for installation on-site and be easier to operate safely. These increased safety margins help eliminate or significantly lower the potential for unsafe release of radioactivity to the environment and the public in case of an accident as passive systems rely on physical phenomena such as natural circulation, convection, gravity and self-pressurisation where no human intervention or external power or force is required to shut down systems. Their size and modularity also allow them to be deployed in locations not suitable for large nuclear power plants. The United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and Canada are among the most advanced countries in the development of SMR technology. The reactors in SMRs harness nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.

An SMR is capable of producing large amounts of low-carbon electricity on a reduced footprint and can have a power capacity of up to 300MWe per unit, which is approximately one-third of the generating capacity of a traditional nuclear power reactor. An SMR also has potential for hydrogen production, which is considered the future energy source. SMRs have reduced fuel requirements as they only need refuelling every 3-7 years, unlike 1-2 years for traditional nuclear plants. Globally, more than 80 commercial SMR designs are in development, targeting varied outputs and applications such as electricity, hybrid energy systems, heating, water desalinisation and steam for industrial applications [16]. Stringent regulations and requirements in SMR systems will need to be developed and standardised to ensure safety of the technology and to assuage public fears about nuclear power.

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References

[13] Malaysian Nuclear Agency. Triga Puspati reactor. https:// www.nuclearmalaysia.gov.my/eng/kemudahan-rnd.php?id=1. Accessed July 2024.

[14] New Sarawak Tribune. Ministry weighing nuclear reactor option: DPM. https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/ministryweighing-nuclear-reactor-option-dpm/. Accessed July 2024.

[15] Nuclear Business Platform. Reviving Malaysia’s nuclear energy program. https://www.nuclearbusiness-platform.com/ media/insights/reviving-malaysia-nuclear-energy-program. Accessed July 2024.

[16] International Atomic Energy Agency. What are small modular reactors (SMRs)? https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/whatare-small-modular-reactors-smrs. Accessed July 2024.

[17] United States Department of Energy. 4 key benefits of advanced small modular reactors. https://www.energy.gov/ ne/articles/4-key-benefits-advanced-small-modular-reactors. Accessed July 2024.