Episode 5 of the Nuclear Webinar Series: Climate Efficiency of Nuclear Energy

Speaker: Ms. Polina Lion, Chief Sustainability Officer of ROSATOM

Moderator: Datuk NK Tong, Council Member of Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM)

Episode 5 of the Nuclear Webinar series highlighted that the development of nuclear energy in regions such as Malaysia and ASEAN is evolving from mere interest to concrete planning, underscoring the importance of recognising its sustainability credentials. Rosatom was presented as a leading global nuclear corporation and technology exporter based in Russia, and speakers argued that achieving global net-zero emissions is impossible without nuclear power.

Ms. Polina emphasised that nuclear energy is among the world’s lowest-carbon power sources, citing a life-cycle footprint of only 5.1 gCO₂/kWh which is far below most renewables when factoring in intermittency and backup energy generation. Its high load factor (above 85%) enables stable, baseload electricity generation for over six decades, making it indispensable in the clean energy transition. Nuclear currently provides around 25% of global low-carbon electricity, supporting both climate goals and energy security.

The discussion reaffirmed Rosatom’s export leadership with an overseas NPP portfolio of 35 large reactors and six Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across eleven countries, along with plans to build 38 additional units in Russia in the coming decades. Beyond power generation, Polina described Rosatom’s portfolio activities spanning floating nuclear plants, nuclear medicine, wind power, energy storage, and electric mobility, positioning this as a diversified, ESG-oriented growth strategy.

Both Datuk NK Tong and Ms. Polina believed in the inclusion of nuclear energy in sustainability frameworks, urging countries to integrate it into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and green taxonomies so that climate benefits are formally recognised. The speakers noted that many nations, including Malaysia, have not yet done so, which they argued limits access to sustainable financing and recognition in carbon markets. The session also referenced a growing shift in global finance, with institutions such as the World Bank reconsidering support for nuclear and SMR projects, signaling growing acceptance of nuclear within green financing frameworks.

Rosatom emphasised that nuclear energy meets stringent ESG and safety criteria, highlighting its closed fuel cycle approach that treats spent fuel as a reusable resource. The company’s fast breeder reactors were described as operating on fully recycled fuel, significantly reducing waste and raw uranium demand. The floating nuclear power plant Akademik Lomonosov was cited as operating successfully for five years, further demonstrating the technology’s adaptability for remote or harsh environments.

The session also addressed public perception and safety, noting that modern Generation III reactors and robust international standards have significantly enhanced nuclear safety. In Russia, nuclear energy was said to enjoy strong public acceptance, which the speakers associated with transparent engagement, long-term local employment, and visible community benefits. Rosatom’s investments in education, outreach, and workforce development were highlighted as part of building trust and capabilities in host countries.

Beyond energy and climate contributions, the speakers described socio-economic benefits from nuclear projects which include supporting GDP growth, creating skilled jobs, advancing education and research, and catalysing infrastructure such as roads and ports, framing these contributions to energy security and broader resilience.

In conclusion, Rosatom’s strategic vision was presented as expanding global nuclear capacity through innovative SMRs and floating nuclear plants tailored to diverse national needs and regional transitions. The company plans continued engagement with policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions to secure nuclear energy’s place in green taxonomies, ESG standards, and carbon markets, positioning it as a key enabler of a sustainable and secure net-zero future.

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