Nuclear Developments To Look Out in Asia For in 2024
Asia is a continent that has been at the forefront of nuclear energy development for several decades. With the world’s largest population and a rapidly growing economy, Asia’s energy needs are expected to increase significantly in the coming years. As we enter 2024, several countries in Asia are poised to make significant strides in nuclear energy development. Currently, Asia is home to about 140 operational nuclear reactors. With another 30-35 reactors under construction and plans in place for an additional 40-50.
Asia is home to some of the world's most rapidly developing economies, and the region is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of nuclear energy. Here are some of the key nuclear developments to look out for in Asia in 2024
China and India Pushing Ahead with New Reactor Constructions
Mainland China and India are expected to lead Asia's nuclear power development owing to robust power demand and strong environmental pressures. Both countries' markets support nuclear power and set clear installed capacity goals. The governments target 70 GW by 2025 for mainland China and 27.5 GW by 2030 for India.
China is currently the world's largest energy consumer, with over 60% of its energy coming from fossil fuels like coal. However, given China's goals to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy usage, the country is poised to aggressively expand its nuclear energy capacity over the coming years. By 2035, Beijing plans to double its nuclear capacity by building over 150 new reactors. The long-term goal is for nuclear power to generate 10% of China's electricity by 2035 and 18% by 2060.
China already has the world's second largest nuclear power fleet. The country has continued constructing new reactors at a rapid pace. This includes China's first Hualong One units - a domestically designed reactor expected to be the mainstay of the country's future nuclear fleet as it gains traction both at home and abroad. On 29 January 2021, Unit 5 of Fuqing NPP, the world's first HPR1000 reactor, completed 168 hours of continuous operation at full power, meeting the conditions for commercial operation. On 6 December 2021, the first fuel cycle of Unit 5 of Fuqing NPP was completed and the first refueling overhaul began. On 20 May 2021, the first overseas reactor project of HPR1000, Unit 2 of the Karachi NPP in Pakistan, officially entered commercial operation. So far, a total of 14 nuclear power units using the HPR1000 technology are under construction or operational at home and abroad; these units’ safety, construction and operation have been deemed reliable.
China is actively promoting the incorporation and re-innovation of the AP1000 technology. The design of the CAP1400 demonstration project, a major special project for an advanced pressurized water reactor NPP, has been completed and passed the safety review. The CAP1400 demonstration power station is located at the site of Shidao Bay, Rongcheng, Weihai City, Shandong Province. It has a design life of 60 years and a single reactor installed capacity of 1.534 GW.
The construction of Shandong Shidao Bay NPP High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor NPP Demonstration Project (HTR-PM) has progressed smoothly. Unit 1 has completed its first loading on 21 August 2021, the unit was successfully connected to the grid for power generation on 20 December 2021, and the full power operation of the unit will be achieved in 2022. At present, the design of the improved version of the 600,000-kilowatt high-temperature gas-cooled reactor project has been completed, and The Huaneng Shidaowan high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant, the world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant, went into commercial operation on Dec 6 2023.
As India endeavors to ensure universal access to energy, there exists a substantial and escalating demand in the short, medium, and long term. Demonstrating a commitment to global responsibility and addressing the challenges posed by Climate Change, India reinforced its dedication at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27 held in Egypt in Nov 2022). During this event, India enhanced its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), aiming to achieve approximately 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil based energy sources by 2030. Additionally, India pledged to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to the 2005 level. Furthermore, India aspires to attain energy independence by 2047.
As the nation progresses, the surge in energy demand is notable, aligning with an increased focus on clean energy transition, sustainability, and reliability. This heightened demand for clean energy will be further accentuated as the decarbonization drive gains momentum in various sectors such as transportation/e-mobility, Clean H2 generation, application industries, commercial sector, industrial heating, and district cooling systems. In this context, nuclear power emerges as a pivotal element in meeting India's need for clean and dependable energy, occupying a prominent position on the government's agenda.
India presently boasts over 6.8 GWe of installed nuclear capacity, with 15.7 GWe under construction and an additional 25.8 GWe proposed for future development. However, for this ambitious plan to be feasible, India must diligently identify and secure new reactor sites, particularly for fleets of larger capacity reactors. Anticipated progress in this regard, including land acquisition and initial approvals for more than 10 potential plant locations, is expected in 2024.
Recent agreements with Russia for the construction of future power generating units at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu underscore India's strategic partnerships in advancing its nuclear energy goals. The Indian government has also articulated plans to construct more nuclear power plants, augmenting the nation's clean energy generation. As part of its long-term development strategy, India envisions a three-fold increase in nuclear energy capacity by 2032 and is exploring the potential deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
South Korea's Ambitious Energy Policy and Global Expansion
In the evolving landscape of energy production, the Republic of Korea has set its sights on a dynamic trajectory by pushing for the export of its nuclear reactors. As of 2022, the nation boasts 25 operational nuclear power reactors, contributing significantly to its electricity mix. With a strategic shift in energy policy initiated by the new government elected in March 2022, South Korea aims to not only expand its nuclear share in the domestic energy mix but also position itself as a major global player in the nuclear industry.
The cornerstone of South Korea's nuclear energy ambitions lies in the development and export of advanced reactors, particularly the APR1400 (Advanced Power Reactor 1400). This Generation III light water reactor (LWR) has a capacity of 1400 MW(e) and features a four-train active safety system, emphasizing enhanced safety levels compared to its predecessor, the OPR1000. The successful implementation of the APR1400 design in domestic plants, such as Shin Kori units 3 and 4, has bolstered South Korea's reputation, leading to significant international contracts, notably in the United Arab Emirates.
The APR1400's global recognition was further solidified with certifications from both the European Utility Requirements (EUR) and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC). Looking ahead, South Korea is actively engaged in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), spearheaded by the i-SMR project. The initiative, launched in 2020, aims to position South Korea as a leader in the global SMR market by the 2030s.
In tandem with these technological advancements, the government has laid out a comprehensive roadmap in the 6th Comprehensive Nuclear Energy Promotion Plan (CNEPP), covering the period from 2022 to 2026. The plan focuses on reinforcing the safety of existing nuclear power plants, expanding nuclear power exports, fostering innovation through the convergence of nuclear and radiation technologies, and enhancing public participation and international cooperation.
The strategic vision of the government, unveiled in early 2022, places a strong emphasis on nuclear energy as a driver of economic growth. Major policy changes include the abolition of the previous government's nuclear phase-out policy, an extension of the operational lifetimes of existing nuclear power plants, and an ambitious plan to increase the number of nuclear power plants by 2030. Collaboration with the United States in the SMR field and the development of an indigenous SMR type are key elements in solidifying the global competitiveness of South Korea's nuclear power industry.
Emergence of Nuclear Power in Bangladesh and ASEAN Region
The emergence of nuclear power in Asia has gained significant traction, with Bangladesh making notable strides in this direction. The construction of its first nuclear power reactor, Rooppur 1, began in November 2017, and it is set to be commissioned in 2024. A second unit at Rooppur, a 2.4 GWe project constructed by Russia, is also underway, expected to cover a substantial portion of Bangladesh's electricity demand. While there may be cautious steps in initiating operations on the two VVER-1200 units, this project marks a crucial milestone for Bangladesh, reflecting its commitment to address a rapidly increasing power demand and reduce dependence on natural gas.
The Rooppur project is a key element in Bangladesh's ambitious initiative to transform into a developed economy by 2041. The country is focusing on scaling up electricity production, aiming to connect approximately 2.7 million homes to the grid in the next year alone.
Beyond Bangladesh, other Asian countries, particularly within the ASEAN region, are exploring the potential of nuclear energy. Indonesia and the Philippines are actively pursuing nuclear energy options, having completed Phase 1 of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) assessment in 2009 and 2018, respectively. Indonesia, in its Energy Sector Roadmap Towards Net Zero Emission 2060, envisions developing a nuclear power plant by 2039, while, according to the Philippines, nuclear power is targeted to be included in the Philippines’ energy mix by 2032 or 2033. Under the Philippine Energy Plan, Manila plans to produce 1,200 MWe using nuclear power by 2032, which would increase to 2,400 MWe by 2040 and to 4,800 MWe by 2050.
The growing interest in nuclear energy across the ASEAN region, particularly among utility companies aiming to decarbonize, has attracted international vendors seeking partnerships. For instance, Indonesia's state-owned firm Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (PKT) is collaborating with Danish companies, including Copenhagen Atomics and Topsoe, to explore green ammonia production using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Their joint venture aims to establish a $4 billion facility generating 1 million tonnes of carbon-free ammonia annually, utilizing green hydrogen from water electrolysis.
Simultaneously, a collaboration involving BRIN, PLN IP, and NuScale Power Corporation is underway to assess the feasibility of implementing NuScale's SMR technology in West Kalimantan. This comprehensive eight-month endeavor, starting in August 2023, aims to analyze the technology's performance and cost-effectiveness, considering technical, economic, and regulatory factors. The study holds promise in providing valuable insights for Indonesia's energy future and emission reduction efforts.
Moreover, U.S. involvement in the region includes ThorCon's entry into the Indonesian market, marked by an agreement with Indonesia's Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency to initiate preparations for licensing a 500 MWe ThorCon molten salt reactor.
In the Philippines, key players such as Meralco Aboitiz Group are at the forefront of nuclear energy efforts. In November 2023, Meralco signed a cooperative agreement with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC), an American company. USNC is set to lead pre-feasibility research over four months to familiarize Meralco with its patented Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) energy system and evaluate its effectiveness for local use. Potential sites for deployment include Talim Island in Rizal, San Rafael in Bulacan, and Isla del Provisor located near Malacañang Palace.
Asia is The Epicentre of Nuclear Energy
Asia has rapidly emerged as a robust hub for nuclear energy, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in meeting the continent's burgeoning energy demands while simultaneously addressing climate change concerns. Many Asian nations have earnestly embraced nuclear power as a viable and sustainable solution to reduce their carbon footprint. Currently, Asia is home to about 140 operational nuclear reactors. With another 30-35 reactors under construction and plans in place for an additional 40-50, countries such as China and South Korea have made significant technological strides in nuclear technology. This has not only enabled them to construct state-of-the-art reactors tailored to their specific needs but has also positioned them as global leaders in this domain. As a testament to their expertise and innovation, both South Korea and China have begun exporting their indigenously developed nuclear technology to other nations, underscoring Asia's rise in the global nuclear landscape.
From new reactor construction starts and grid connections, to emerging nuclear programs and greener policy shifts, Asia is positioned to host manifold nuclear development milestones in 2024 and beyond. Many of the nuclear advances this year will build crucial foundations allowing zero-carbon nuclear power to realize its vast potential across the continent in the long run. Only by tapping this vast source of clean, reliable electricity can the soaring populations and mega-cities of Asia hope to sustain economic growth while still preserving the environment for future generations.
