WHITE PAPER ON NUCLEAR ENERGY IN MALAYSIA

Malaysian Nuclear Society 23 August 2008

The Malaysian Nuclear Society (MNS), established 1988, welcomes the decision in the 2009 budget speech that Malaysia will be “exploring nuclear energy… to ensure long term energy security of the nation.”

The MNS also welcomes the positive statement by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in support of nuclear energy as reported by Bernama, 19 August 2008:

•          “Nuclear energy is vital following the increase in the world fuel price and our limited oil reserve. Moreover, nuclear energy is clean and cheap”

•         The MNS views these developments as positive steps towards the attainment of secure and stable energy supply to ensure high technology and socio-economic development of Malaysia.

However, due to the long lead-time & narrow window of opportunity for the introduction of a nuclear energy, it is our considered opinion that the nuclear option should be urgently included in the national energy mix.

1. AIMS

This memorandum on nuclear energy option is prepared by the MNS to:

·        present the views of the Malaysian scientific community on the need for Malaysia to urgently adopt nuclear power to secure its present and future energy requirements;

·        present scientific views that renewable energy (solar power and wind power) in its current state of development is not expected to be able to fulfill the growing demand for electricity; and

·        recommend action items for timely introduction of nuclear power plants in Malaysia.

2. BACKGROUND

 

Nuclear energy, the source of 17% of the world electricity need for the past decades, is witnessing tremendous resurgence as country after country decides to go nuclear. This renaissance is driven not just by the continuing development in many parts of the world, especially in our Asian region, but also due to the followings:

·        dwindling resource of fossil fuel,

·        limitation of hydro electric resources,

·        inability of alternatives (solar, wind) to take up the slack in demand

·        environmental concern (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides from fossil, loss biodiversity for hydro)

·        inadequate capability of renewable (biofuel, etc.) to supply bulk/ industrial power need

·        nuclear energy has proven to be a reliable, clean, and safe source or energy

The introduction of nuclear energy however requires a long lead-time due to the sophistication of the technology, the need to set-up adequate supporting systems (human capital, hard and soft infrastructure) for it to be effectively implemented, and the need to timely secure technology transfer and supply in the face of competition from limited suppliers which could be exacerbated by the nuclear renaissance.

Due to the long lead-time and the competition for nuclear power plant worldwide there is a narrow window of opportunity to make decision to introduce NPP in the country.

 Nuclear technology has been the driver of high technology growth in the economy (Korea, Japan, China). This cascade effect will also unleash high technology industrial development for Malaysia. Malaysiaalready has the experience to manage and operate sophisticated technology. In the field of nuclear technology, Malaysian Nuclear Agency has been operating for more than three decades and has accumulated a wealth of technical capabilities and experience.

 Malaysia, therefore, is ready to make that decision. The decision in the 2009 Budget to ‘explore nuclear energy’ is most welcomed by the MNS. It is our considered opinion that Malaysia has a narrow window of opportunity to introduce NPP. It must not be missed.

This memorandum is intended to encourage the relevant parties to adopt the essence of peaceful use of nuclear energy and to consider the following issues and recommendations:

3. THE ISSUES

3.1 Energy supply - Conservation of fossil  fuel for future generation

On a global scale, as demand for oil will drastically increase due to economic and population growth, mainly, in developing countries, it is forecast that the relation between supply and demand of fossil fuels will become tight, followed by consequent price hikes, and therefore the world may face intensified competition for the acquisition of fossil fuel sources. Thus, it is important for Malaysia to ensure stable and reliable energy supply by diversifying import sources, on supply side.

3.2 Human Capital Development

 Since nuclear is an advance technology, this presents an ideal opportunity to upgrade the education system in the secondary schools, universities and postgraduate levels to develop Malaysia independent and capable nuclear manpower.  

 Together with the existing knowledge in Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the local institutions of higher learning, this human capital development will enable the fast track development of a broad range of nuclear technologies.

3.3 Economic and well being

Energy is the lifeblood of development and growth. Its security and stability of supply are essential ingredients for economic development, progress, and improvement of societal well being. Nuclear energy will continue Malaysia’s good development in energy supply well into the future and spark a rapid industrial development thereby improving the overall standard of living. This could be the stepping-stone to move forward into the hydrogen economy to replace oil for transportation.

3.4 Environment

As we continue to develop more energy must be generated. According to an estimate Malaysia will need four times current electricity generation by 2050. Continuing to rely on fossil fuels is environmentally polluting due to the emission of toxic sulphur and nitrogen oxide gases.

Malaysia has the option of supplying electricity by increased hydroelectric. However, this would be at the expense of our vast rainforest biodiversity, which is likely to be the future source of economic progress.

Nuclear power, compared to the burning of coal and gas, is the least environmentally polluting source of energy. In comparison with other sources, it also has the highest power density per square meter of land used.

http://www.nuklearmalaysia.org/index.php?id=32&mnu=32