US to help Thais develop small nuclear reactors

>>The United States will help Thailand develop nuclear power through a new class of small reactors, part of a programme aimed at fighting climate change, US Vice President Kamala Harris said yesterday.

The White House said the assistance was part of its Net Zero World Initiative, a project launched at last year’s Glasgow climate summit in which the US partners with the private sector and philanthropists to promote clean energy.

The kingdom does not have nuclear power, with public mood on the issue souring in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan.

The White House said it would offer technical assistance to deploy the developing technology of small modular reactors, which are factory-built and portable. Such reactors are generally considered safer as they do not need human intervention to shut down in emergencies.

“We really look forward to working with Thailand to take advantage of the benefits of small modular reactors and reliable clean energy sources,” said a senior US official travelling with Ms Harris.

A White House statement said that US experts would work with Thailand on deploying the reactors, which will have the “highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation” and boast a smaller land footprint than alternatives.

US rivals China and Russia, as well as Argentina, are also developing small modular reactors, the prototypes of which are in the design phase.

The White House did not give a timeline but said it would support Thailand, which is vulnerable to climate change, in its goal of going carbon neutral by 2065.

Ms Harris, who is visiting for the Apec summit, was due to discuss the nuclear power initiative in a meeting later yesterday with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The White House also announced an initiative with the kingdom to boost the safety of 5G internet and a project to build a “world-class” cancer treatment centre in Chon Buri province.