As India and China surge ahead with nuclear energy, all eyes on Asean’s next move

[SINGAPORE] 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for nuclear energy in Asia – as India and China ramp up additions and energy security fears from the Middle East war further fuel South-east Asia’s exploration of the power source.

Earlier this month, Singapore announced that it would participate in a review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on its ability to make an informed decision on nuclear energy. Vietnam, meanwhile, is advancing plans for its first nuclear power plant, and recently signed deals with Russia. These moves come as Asia’s nuclear energy giants, China and India, double down.

China could raise its existing nuclear capacity from 66 gigawatts (GW) to 132 GW by 2032, said Robert Liew of energy intelligence firm Wood Mackenzie. The country currently has 61 nuclear power reactors that are operable, and 38 under construction, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA).