Introduction of Nuclear Power Plant Technology in Malaysia

          The main key organizations that in charge of implementing the Malaysia Nuclear Power Plant are TNB, Nuklear Malaysia,  Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), and Suruhanjaya Tenaga (EC). Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) has a role to introduce and promote the application of nuclear science and technology for national development. Established in 19 September 1972, Malaysian Nuclear Agency was then known as Centre for Application of Nuclear Malaysia (CRANE) before it was formally named as Tun Ismail Atomic Research Centre (PUSPATI).

  

          In February 2008, the Nuclear Power Planning Division was launched within the government, and started studies for the energy master plan. Taking such moves by the government into consideration, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the leading electricity utility, is developing a plan for long-term power supply and demand on the balance on the assumption that nuclear power generation will be introduced after 2020. Their plan includes a preliminary survey, site selection and human resource development (including 30 to 40 nuclear engineers) to start in 2008, environmental impact assessment and design work to start around 2011, international tender in 2012, conclusion of agreements in 2013, commencement of construction work around 2015, and commissioning of the first plant in 2020. The second and subsequent plants are planned to follow the first until the share of nuclear power reaches 8% or about 2000 MW around 2025.

           The investment environment in Malaysia is generally favourable. Although its economic growth rate in terms of GDP fell into a negative figure during the 1997 Asian currency crisis, it quickly headed toward recovery, achieving a level between 5% and 7% in recent years. Also, a current account surplus in international balance of payments is firmly in place and the deficits in the fiscal balance have been reduced, indicating the government’s sound management of economy. Supported by a strong electricity demand, business performance of the leading power company, TNB, as a promising candidate for the owner of the nuclear power projects has been robust as well.