The Emerging Role of Nuclear Energy in Achieving a Sustainable Energy Future for Asia and the Pacific

Background

As Asia and the Pacific continue to ramp up efforts toward building sustainable, secure, and low carbon energy systems, the need for nuclear energy as a viable source of resilient and secure energy is becoming increasingly recognized. While renewable energy sources still play a vital role in many decarbonization strategies, nuclear power provides a complementary pathway to achieving reliable baseload generation capacity, improving grid stability, supporting the decarbonization of industrial process.

ADB's Perspective

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is looking into the potential of nuclear energy as part of its broader energy portfolio due to the growing interest in nuclear power among ADB developing member countries (DMCs). This interest stems from nuclear power's recognition as a low-carbon energy source and, importantly, as a dependable baseload option that can enhance energy security while supporting affordability.

The 2025 amendment to the ADB Energy Policy, which removed the prohibition on financing nuclear investments, helps countries to create enabling environments and build institutional capacity for nuclear power investments. Financing, if considered, will be contingent on a rigorous readiness assessment and strict adherence to the highest safety, security, and safeguard standards, working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Philippines has formally requested ADB's support for capacity development as part of its efforts to revive its nuclear program. This includes strengthening institutions related to nuclear governance and safety, and is currently under review by ADB.

IAEA Framework and Emerging Technologies

According to the IAEA, nuclear power is one of the best available dispatchable low-carbon technologies today. The IAEA has set forth an extensive list of 19 infrastructure requirements that countries must comply to responsibly and safely embark on nuclear power programs. These requirements span all aspects of the nuclear industry (e.g., legal, regulatory, financial, and technical), illustrating the complexity of developing nuclear programs.

Additionally, there have been technological advancements leading to next generation of large nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer flexible and scalable solutions — particularly appealing to DMCs with limited grid capacity or space for conventional nuclear plants. These new technologies include improved safety systems, shorter construction times, and greater adaptability to different energy sources, offering new pathways for countries to responsibly integrate nuclear power.