Singapore-based think tank moots nuclear inclusion in Asean Taxonomy

A SINGAPORE-based independent think tank has proposed the inclusion of nuclear power generation in the regional sustainable finance framework to open up financing options for such projects in South-east Asia.

The appeal came as the Asean Taxonomy, following its update in March to include coal phase-out activities, still made no mention of nuclear activities, while the European Union (EU) Taxonomy had made provisions for them last year.

The policy brief, published by the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER) on Aug 1, highlighted that players in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are exploring the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) as a way to decarbonise power grids.