SMRs in Southeast Asia: The Time is Now

Is nuclear energy making a comeback—and could it power Southeast Asia’s sustainable future?In this episode of Green Shift, we dive into one of the most important (and controversial) topics in the global energy transition: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). As energy demand surges—driven by AI, data centers, and economic growth—the region faces a critical question:👉 Can nuclear be the key to a reliable, low-carbon future?In this sustainability conversation, we cover:Why the AI boom is breaking traditional energy models.The difference between conventional nuclear and "Lego-like" SMR modularity.Financing the future: Why governments need to move fast on policy.Public perception: Moving from "Not In My Backyard" to "Why Not?"Geopolitics: The risks of locking into specific vendors and fuel supplies.🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more sustainable storytelling and insights into the energy transition.🎙️ Featuring:Dr. Victor Nian (CSER)Graham Beal (Corporate Finance, Infrastructure)Sanjeev Gupta (Energy Strategy & Transactions)Hosted by David Austin📌 Timestamps:0:00 - Panic mode: Why reliance on fossil fuels is failing2:30 - Introducing the experts: Finance, strategy, and energy research6:00 - What is an SMR? Victor explains modular nuclear tech13:00 - Who is building SMRs? The global race (US, China, Europe)19:00 - The economics: SMR vs. LNG vs. Biofuels ($/MWh breakdown)25:00 - The "lock-in" effect: Choosing a vendor means choosing a country31:00 - Financing SMRs: Why the "First of a Kind" needs government help36:00 - Singapore’s luxury problem: Money vs. Space41:00 - Public perception: Explaining that a reactor is not a bomb46:00 - Space data centers? Elon Musk, nuclear batteries, and the future50:00 - The fuel crunch: Will we run out of uranium?58:00 - The Verdict: Time is running out for a 2050 deadline🎙️ About Green Shift:We are a sustainability podcast focused on real-world solutions and the transition to sustainability. Unlike other shows, we bring together finance, technical, and regional experts to discuss what actually works.Connect with us:Subscribe on Substack; https://substack.com/@greenshift💬 Comment below: Is nuclear the answer to AI’s energy crisis?#sustainabilitypodcast #energytransition #SMR #nuclearenergy #greenshift #sustainablepodcast #southeastasia #AIenergy #decarbonization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.