World Nuclear Association Advises Malaysia, Newcomers To Set Clear Nuclear Waste Policies

By Soon Li Wei

MOSCOW, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The World Nuclear Association has advised potential newcomer countries to nuclear energy, including Malaysia, to have a well-defined strategy for waste management that provides clarity and confidence to the public. 

Its director general, Dr Sama Bilbao y León, said decisions on managing nuclear waste must be guided by clear and transparent long-term policies that reflect public acceptance. 

“If we decided that we are going to recycle it (nuclear waste), if we decided that we are going to have a long term storage, find what the public in Malaysia, for example, needs to know, what the policy is, and that will be clear,” she said at a press briefing on the sidelines of World Atomic Week here, Friday.

On Aug 6, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia is considering nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, but the final decision on whether to proceed with nuclear power generation will only be made after 2030.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said that the government had not yet committed to building a nuclear power plant, but had established a dedicated nuclear power organisation to study all necessary frameworks, including international treaties, domestic regulations, and human capital requirements.

Sama said nuclear energy remains the only energy source that can fully account for and safely manage all of its waste. 

“Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear waste has been properly handled through interim storage, recycling, or long-term management, with no impact on the environment.

“Every single gram of used nuclear material produced over decades is tracked, safely managed, and separated from the environment. 

"If the fossil fuel industry had done the same, we would not need to gather every year for (United Nations) climate change conferences," she said.

She stressed that nuclear waste should not be viewed as a problem, but rather as a resource, noting that many countries are exploring opportunities to recycle used nuclear fuel.

Sama, who is also the president of the World Nuclear University, said that nuclear power should be assessed based on its long-term socio-economic benefits, rather than just its construction costs. 

She said that while nuclear plants require significant upfront capital investments, they provide reliable, carbon-free electricity and heat for up to a century, alongside job creation and industrial development.

"Often, the discussion focuses only on the cost of building a nuclear power plant…. but when you look at the entire business case in 60, 80, even 100 years of clean energy supply, stable jobs and socio-economic opportunities, nuclear becomes highly competitive," she said.

Citing Finland, she said that electricity prices dropped by 75 per cent after nuclear power entered the grid, underscoring the technology's long-term economic value.

She also highlighted that the World Bank and other multilateral development banks, including the Asian Development Bank, have begun reviewing their lending policies to consider financing nuclear projects.

"This could be a game-changer for countries like Malaysia, which are exploring nuclear as part of their energy transition. 

"It is not just about billions spent on infrastructure, but about creating opportunities for generations of professionals and industries," she said.

World Atomic Week, the world’s largest gathering on nuclear and related industries, kicked off here Thursday, drawing delegates from over 100 countries, including Malaysia, to discuss the future of nuclear energy amid growing global demand.

-- BERNAMA