Speaking at the World Atomic Week International Forum yesterday, she said Malaysia should weigh the long-term benefits of adopting nuclear energy, adding that it is more than just a costly investment.
“It’s not just about spending several billion dollars on a nuclear power plant. We are talking about three generations of professionals who will have stable, well-paid jobs and exciting opportunities, as well as industrial development for the country,” she said later at a press conference.
Bilbao said nuclear energy could keep the nation powered for the next 100 years, while creating high-skilled and high-income jobs far beyond the nuclear engineering field.
“We need mechanical, civil, electrical and chemical engineers. But we also need computer experts, programmers, welders, project managers, lawyers, economists and communication specialists.
“The nuclear profession is not limited to engineers. There is a role for everyone,” she said.
While acknowledging the steep upfront costs in the first five years, Bilbao argued that the benefits – round-the-clock clean energy, thriving industries and job creation – far outweighed the expenses.
“We need to look at the entire business case, not just the five years it takes to build a unit. These plants will provide 24/7 carbon-free, very reliable electricity and heating for 60, 80 even 100 years,” she said.
On Aug 6, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia is considering nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, but the final decision on whether to proceed with nuclear power generation will only be made after 2030.
Fadillah, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister, said the government had not yet committed to building a nuclear power plant.
However, it had established a dedicated nuclear power organisation to study all necessary frameworks, including international treaties, domestic regulations and human capital requirements.
The World Atomic Week, being held from Sept 25 to Sept 28 in Moscow, brings together government leaders, international organisations, industry players and experts to discuss the future of nuclear energy and its role in global development.