Nuclear energy in Southeast Asia pull rods or scram
Loading...
Authors
Somboonpakron, Pasit.
Subjects
Advisors
Malley, Michael S.
Date of Issue
2009-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Southeast Asia is experiencing a nuclear energy renaissance. Why have some Southeast Asian countries chosen to pursue nuclear power, while others have not? Among those pursuing nuclear energy, why are some moving more quickly than others? The hypothesis of this thesis is that countries are more likely pursue nuclear power if its benefits outweigh benefits from the same level of effort in other sources of energy. Analyses of these countries with respect to nuclear energy using electricity demand, alternative energy sources, political will, means of production, technical capacity and international support resulted in three categories: countries that abstain from it (Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Laos and Singapore), countries that may pursue it (Burma, Malaysia and the Philippines) and countries that are pursuing it (Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam). Countries that abstained do so either because greater benefit can be achieved with the same level of national effort in other areas or because nuclear energy was politically ill suited to their specific needs. Countries on the fence face political obstacles that have yet to be overcome. Countries pursuing it do so based on a need to expand electricity capacity to sustain economic development, with the rate of pursuit dominated by their political circumstance.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xii, 117 p. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.