SMR: A Game Changer for Thailand’s Energy Security in the Clean Energy Era
23 February 2026
“Energy security” has emerged as one of the world’s most important strategic issues. Once regarded as merely a supporting factor in economic growth, energy is now intrinsically linked to national security, national competitiveness, and public quality of life. However, the fluctuation of fossil fuel prices, increasingly severe climate-related disasters, and rising electricity demand from the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs) are creating significant challenges for traditional power systems. Therefore, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plants have become a key focus, not only as an advanced technology but also a solution for a secure and sustainable power system of the future.
Power System Security: Reliable 24/7 Generation
SMR power plants can operate continuously on a 24/7 basis, independent of weather conditions, unlike renewable energy. As a result, they help maintain grid stability and reduce the risk of power outages when renewable energy sources cannot provide stable electricity generation. The modular design also enables distributed deployment across multiple locations, reducing potential risks in the power grid. Consequently, SMRs provide reliable baseload power while increasing system flexibility and strengthening the grid’s ability to recover during crises.
Fuel Security: Abundant Supply for Long-term Utilization
“Uranium” is the primary fuel used in SMRs. It is an abundant resource found in many countries worldwide, helping to reduce the risk of fuel monopoly compared to fossil fuels such as natural gas or oil. In addition, only a small amount of fuel is required for electricity generation because uranium has a much higher energy density than coal, so it can generate the same amount of energy with less fuel. One kg of uranium generates as much electricity as 100,000 kg of coal. Therefore, refueling once can generate electricity for several years. Uranium can also be procured in advance and stored for extended periods. These characteristics enable the country to plan long-term fuel procurement and reserves, reducing the risks from global energy price volatility as well as emergencies such as geopolitical conflicts, transportation disruptions, or regional energy crises.
Safety and Security: Advanced and Automated Protection Systems
The passive safety system is a core feature of SMRs. It is equipped with an automatic cooling system that can operate without relying on electricity or human intervention during emergencies. Meanwhile, each module is designed to integrate key components, such as pumps, piping, and valves, thereby reducing system complexity and minimizing the risk of water or coolant leaks. In the event of an incident, SMRs have an emergency planning zone limited to a radius of no more than 1 km. This contrasts with conventional nuclear power plants, where emergency planning zones may extend up to 16 km. Due to these advanced safety features, many countries around the world are showing more interest in SMRs and moving toward their adoption.
Flexible Energy Security: Driving the Energy Transition Forward
SMRs also play an important role in supporting the energy transition. Energy security depends on a diversified energy mix, system flexibility, and the ability to adapt power generation to meet an evolving global context. SMRs can operate alongside renewable energy efficiently, by compensating for its intermittency. Like fossil fuel power plants, they can also act as baseload power plants. Therefore, SMRs are a game changer, helping power systems to achieve both energy security and environmental sustainability.
Today, many countries around the world, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Russia, South Korea, Egypt, Jordan, Poland, and Saudi Arabia, are actively studying and developing SMR projects to strengthen national energy security. In Thailand, two SMR power plants with a combined capacity of 600 MW have been included toward the end of the draft Thailand Power Development Plan (PDP). The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), as the main organization responsible for national energy security, has continuously accumulated knowledge and experience in nuclear power plant technology for more than 50 years and plays an important role as a member of the Nuclear Power Plant Infrastructure Preparation Committee. EGAT has advanced the project’s feasibility studies, searched for potential sites, selected suitable technologies, reviewed relevant regulations and laws, and developed human resources in preparation for the realization of SMR power plants.
All of these efforts represent an important step toward strengthening Thailand’s energy security through a stable, safe, and clean energy source, while driving the country toward a balanced, environmentally friendly, and sustainable power system in the long term. SMRs are another significant step forward for Thailand in building a secure power system, protecting the environment, and delivering sustainable benefits to the future of Thai people.