Part 1: Where does Nuclear Energy Fit in the Energy Transition?

1. Opening remarks: Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar, Chairperson, Climate Governance Malaysia

2. Remarks: Dr. Kirsten Cutler, Senior Strategist for Nuclear Energy innovation, U.S. Department of

State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation

3. Presentation:

a. Judi Greenwald, Executive Director, Nuclear Innovation Alliance

b. Datuk NK Tong (moderator)

The world is facing unprecedented rates of global warming, causing extreme weather patterns, including torrential rainfalls like those seen in Malaysia, where six months' worth of rain recently fell within just five days on the east coast. Amidst a growing global population, environmental footprints must be reduced. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for a clear and actionable roadmap that outlines the steps required for a smooth and just energy transition. This includes building the capacity and capabilities, both as a country and as a region, to explore, adopt, and benefit from technologies that facilitate sustainable energy solutions while safeguarding the environment.

Against this backdrop, Datin Seri Sunita, Founder and Chairperson of Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM), warmly welcomed attendees to the first in a two-part webinar series titled ‘Where Does Nuclear Energy Fit in the Energy Transition?’. Held on 4th December 2024 and organised by CGM with the support of the Embassy of the United States of America in Kuala Lumpur, this webinar provided an in-depth overview of the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and energy security.

Dr. Kirsten Cutler, Senior Strategist for Nuclear Energy Innovation at the U.S. Department of State, emphasized the importance of advanced nuclear technologies in supporting energy security, economic growth, and carbon reduction. She acknowledged Malaysia's ambitious energy transition plans and its participation in trainings associated with the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. Highlighting the need for stable, clean energy to fulfill Malaysia’s digital hub aspirations, she welcomed discussions surrounding nuclear cooperation to advance the nation’s clean energy goals.

Before inviting Judi Greenwald, Executive Director of the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, to deliver her presentation, Datuk NK Tong highlighted the timely launch of this two-part webinar series on nuclear energy, aligning with Malaysia’s recent governmental focus on this energy source. The first session explores nuclear energy fundamentals, while the second will delve into global best practices and potential pathways for Malaysia.

Judi began by providing a concise explanation of nuclear fission and its immense energy potential. She explained that fission occurs when a large atom splits into two smaller atoms, releasing energy at levels far exceeding those of individual chemical reactions. Importantly, fission also releases neutrons, which can collide with fissile materials like uranium, triggering a chain reaction that generates immense heat energy. In conventional nuclear reactors, this heat is used to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, ultimately producing electricity.

Discussing the benefits of nuclear energy, Judi emphasized its unparalleled energy density. She illustrated this by noting that a single soda can of nuclear fuel could power an average American’s lifetime energy consumption. Additionally, nuclear power plants require significantly less land compared to other energy sources and operate with unmatched reliability, running 92.5% of the time in the United States. This reliability far surpasses that of other energy sources, all while emitting zero greenhouse gases. Globally, nuclear energy has prevented 60 gigatons of carbon emissions, and in the United States, it accounts for 46% of carbon-free electricity while supporting 475,000 high-quality jobs. Furthermore, nuclear energy ranks among the safest energy sources, with the lowest mortality rates per terawatt-hour (TWh) from accidents and air pollution. While these individual benefits aren’t exclusive to nuclear energy, other solutions do not have these attributes across the board, making nuclear an important complementary clean “firm” energy source alongside “variable” energy sources such as solar and wind.

Judi acknowledged concerns surrounding nuclear waste, emphasizing that the quantities are small and are strictly managed under national safety regulations. She detailed the lifecycle of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF), which is initially cooled in spent fuel pools before being transferred to secure casks for isolation and cooling for up to 100 years. Long-term disposal involves deep geological repositories, such as the one under construction in Finland. While many countries lack permanent repositories, Judi reassured that experts are actively managing SNF to prevent harm while permanent solutions are developed.

Turning to advanced nuclear energy, Judi highlighted the flexibility and efficiency of next-generation reactors. These advanced reactors range in capacity from microreactors producing 1.5 megawatts to modular designs capable of exceeding 300 megawatts. They incorporate innovative safety systems that minimize the need for operator intervention. Judi cited examples such as TerraPower’s Natrium Reactor, under construction in Wyoming, which integrates a sodium fast reactor with molten salt storage, enabling grid adaptability and potential peak capacities of 500 megawatts. She also discussed the advantages of fast fission, which uses faster neutrons for enhanced efficiency.

Advanced nuclear technology is rapidly advancing, driven by over 60 global companies innovating across startups and established firms. She stated public-private partnerships with the Department of Energy in the United States were accelerating deployment, with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) ensuring compliance and safety. She highlighted projects like Dow Chemical’s use of high-temperature gas reactors for industrial heat production, alongside partnerships like Google’s collaboration with Kairos Power and Amazon’s $500 million investment in X-Energy to power data centers sustainably. These reactors are uniquely suited for providing 24/7 clean energy to industries and data centers. Globally, advanced nuclear projects are progressing at various stages, reflecting widespread adoption.

Judi spotlighted several significant initiatives, such as Microsoft’s partnership with Constellation to restart a dormant reactor at Three Mile Island nuclear power station, expected to generate 3,400 jobs and contribute $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP. Advanced reactors are also replacing retiring fossil fuel plants, as demonstrated by TerraPower’s coal plant replacement project. Moreover, nuclear energy is particularly suited for remote and off-grid locations, with the U.S. Department of Defense exploring microreactors for military bases and interest from isolated communities in Alaska.

The presentation concluded with three key takeaways about nuclear energy’s transformative potential. First, nuclear energy can play a critical role in achieving a clean energy economy due to its unmatched reliability, safety, and ability to produce zero-emission electricity. Second, advanced nuclear reactors offer a wide range of applications, from microreactors for remote locations to modular designs for large-scale energy needs. These reactors also integrate cutting-edge safety features and provide energy solutions for industries, data centers, and grid adaptability. Finally, recent investments and partnerships display growing momentum in nuclear innovation both in the U.S. and globally. These advancements highlight nuclear energy’s potential to address climate goals, industrial efficiency, and energy security.

Judi’s presentation was followed by a dynamic 45-minute rapid-fire Q&A session with the audience. The diversity and depth of the questions presented served as a great gauge regarding the interest around the potential of nuclear energy in Malaysia.

Click here for the slides and recording.