When talking about uranium centrifuges being attacked and the looming specter of nuclear conflict, it’s easy to overlook how nuclear power actually fulfills our energy needs. Yet, many people are beginning to see the nucleus as a key energy source for the future. Nuclear fission can produce thousands of times more electricity per pound compared to fossil fuels. What’s more, nuclear reactors run continuously, no matter the weather or time, and—unlike solar panels or wind turbines—they don’t rely on extensive battery backups or rare earth minerals sourced from politically unstable areas.
Back in 1942, Italian-American physicist Enrico Fermi designed the first nuclear reactor, known as Chicago Pile-1, beneath the stands of the University of Chicago’s football field. Since then, the world has made significant progress. The anxiety that once stymied U.S. nuclear ambitions post-Fukushima in 2011 is largely dissipating; in fact, a quiet yet vital shift toward nuclear energy is happening in several densely populated, energy-thirsty Asian countries.
From Korea’s advanced 1400 reactor to the gradual revival of Japan’s nuclear facilities, this shift is pretty clear. China, positioning itself as a frontrunner, currently operates 58 reactors and has 28 more in the pipeline, expecting to boost its nuclear capacity by over 80% by 2035.
In light of increased collaborative efforts and the promising development of small modular reactors (SMRs), more nations are looking to nuclear energy. SMRs are simpler to deploy than large reactors, requiring less capital, land, and time. They’re ideal for remote locations and industrial areas, allowing for scalable growth through the addition of units as needed.
In India, the state of Maharashtra has partnered with Russia’s Rosatom to advance thorium-based SMRs. Rosatom is also working on the Kudankulam facility, which is India’s largest nuclear power station located in Tamil Nadu.
The Indian government is focusing on nuclear energy deployment, particularly in areas with higher poverty levels. Bihar, one of the least developed regions, is set to be home to its first SMR.
Indian stakeholders in the industrial sector are preparing for this transition, as the state-owned nuclear corporation has extended its deadline for large-scale user proposals with a focus on SMRs.
The Philippines aims to kick off with a nuclear capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW) by 2032, eventually reaching 4,800 MW by 2050, as nuclear energy becomes part of its national framework dominated by fossil fuels.
Vietnam is also on an expedited path; following a 2025 amendment to integrate nuclear power into its strategy, the country plans to have its first operational reactor between 2030 and 2035. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for state-run enterprises to have two nuclear plants in Ninh Thuan province completed by the end of 2030.
For Indonesia, the challenge of a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands makes large grid implementations difficult. Nuclear energy appears to be a sensible option, especially as the government confirmed in 2025 a partnership with Russia for a 500 MW SMR in Sumatra and Kalimantan. With significant uranium reserves identified in West Kalimantan, Jakarta is formulating regulations to facilitate the purification and processing of radioactive resources, setting the stage for a domestic nuclear supply chain.
Indonesian policymakers are interested in nuclear technologies from Canada, China, and Russia, showcasing a practical approach to their energy challenges. By drawing lessons from the nuclear advancements in the U.S. and France, countries like Indonesia could tap into technology’s potential for the benefit of their populations. Meanwhile, these nations will likely continue to depend on reliable fossil fuel sources to power their economies.
